Hopi-Tewa Polychrome Corn Bowl by Lena Charlie

Although unsigned, the corn design on the inside of this polychrome bowl matches the corn signature of Hopi-Tewa master potter Lena Chio Charlie, who was a student of Nampeyo. Lena Charlie is thought to be a relative of Nampeyo, and although her exact relation to her is unknown, Lena is known to have painted Nampeyo's pottery when her eyesight began to fail. Particularly after Lessou died in 1930, and Fannie had married and moved away, Nampeyo relied on Lena to paint her pottery for her. Lena Charlie is regarded as a prolific master potter who created pottery for at least 30 years. She is the grandmother of the artist Neil David, who traveled to Chicago with her in the early 1950s to demonstrate pottery.

This bowl has a strong design with a corn stalk in the center of the bowl. The way the corn is painted, with dots inside each individual kernel, is how Lena Charlie painted her corn hallmark which she later used as a signature. The bowl measures 3 1/2" height and 9 3/4" diameter, and is in excellent, original condition.