Collectible Alynssa Gilmore Navajo Horsehair Pottery

Name: Collectible Alynssa Gilmore Navajo Horsehair Pottery
SKU: NP-108
Price: 265 USD
Availability: OutOfStock

$265.00

Add a touch of Southwestern flair to any space with this stunning Collectible Alynssa Gilmore Navajo Horsehair Pottery. Handcrafted from white pottery clay by renowned Native American Navajo artist Alynssa Gilmore, this 12” high vase features traditional Native American etched designs highlighted with bold and vibrant iridescent paint, as well as a unique horsehair pattern. An impressive piece of pottery art, the vase has a diameter of 7.75” and will bring a colorful addition to any room. Perfect for collectors, as well as display and decorative purposes only, it is not intended to be used with water.

The horse holds great importance in many indigenous cultures, symbolizing attributes such as stamina, agility, beauty, and strength. Among the Navajo people, horses have long been revered as sacred animals, playing a vital role in their history, traditions, and daily lives. The introduction of horses to the Navajo tribe by Spanish colonizers in the 16th century revolutionized their way of life, allowing for increased mobility, trade, and hunting capabilities.

As the horsehair is laid onto the still-hot pottery, it leaves behind intricate patterns that evoke the flowing manes and tails of these majestic creatures. The strands of hair, when exposed to the heat, curl, twist, and weave, create mesmerizing designs reminiscent of the horse’s spirit in motion. The resulting patterns often resemble graceful wisps, flowing lines, or smoky tendrils, capturing the essence of the horse’s vitality and energy.

Navajo horsehair pottery embodies not only the artistic expression of the Navajo people but also serves as a powerful cultural symbol. It reflects the enduring relationship between the Navajo tribe and the horse, encapsulating the values of strength, resilience, and the interconnections of humans with the natural world.

Size: 7.75″W x 12″H

Artist: Alynssa Gilmore

Out of stock

SKU: NP-108 Categories: Native American Crafts, Navajo Horsehair Pottery Tags: Alynssa Gilmore, Native American Crafts, navajo horsehair pottery, White

Description

Navajo horsehair pottery is a distinctive form of pottery that draws its inspiration from the horse, a revered and significant animal in many cultures. The horse holds great symbolic importance to the Navajo tribe and is seen as a powerful embodiment of stamina, agility, beauty, and strength. This symbolism is beautifully captured in the creation of Navajo horsehair pottery.
Once the pottery is formed, it undergoes the firing process to harden the clay. After the initial firing, the potter meticulously selects strands of horsehair, sourced from the tail or mane of a horse. The horsehair is then delicately placed onto the hot pottery, allowing it to make direct contact with the surface creating horsehair pottery.
As the horsehair is applied, it reacts to the heat, creating captivating patterns and designs. The strands of hair curl, twist, and intertwine, forming intricate lines, wisps, and smoky tendrils. These organic and ethereal patterns are a visual representation of the horse’s grace and spirit, infusing the pottery with symbolism and cultural significance.
The horsehair decoration process pays homage to the horse’s attributes and the values it represents in Navajo culture. The resulting pottery captures the essence of stamina, agility, beauty, and strength, symbolizing the interconnectedness of the Navajo people with the natural world and their profound respect for the horse.
Navajo horsehair pottery serves as a testament to the artistic skills of the Navajo artisans and their deep cultural heritage. Each piece reflects the harmony between nature and human creativity, showcasing the enduring bond between the Navajo people and the horse. Today, this unique form of pottery continues to be appreciated for its aesthetic appeal, cultural significance, and the timeless values it represents. Each of these Navajo horsehair pots is one of a kind.