Southwest Polychrome Pottery Seed Jar

Description:

Southwest Polychrome Pottery Seed Jar, Hopi, Nampeyo, c. late 19th century, dark brown and dull orange alternating stylized bird and feather devices on a cream-colored ground, includes typed provenance on part of an old playing card "Bowl bought in 1893? at mesa by potter named Nampeyo C.E.M.-Keams," (restored by Andrew Goldsmidt, break lines visible on the interior),ht. 5 3/4, dia. 11 in.

Provenance: Collected by Charles Edward Mendenhall (1849-1937),or his son Edward Simpson Mendenhall, and descended in the family. Charles Edward Mendenhall was born into a Quaker family in Guilford County, North Carolina. His later education in Philadelphia led him to join a group of Mennonite and Quaker social missionaries working at the Indian school at Carlysle, Pennsylvania, and in 1878, he left to work as a medical assistant and teacher on reservations in Kansas. His travel and work led him to the territories of Utah, Idaho, California, the Northwest, and the Great Lakes, returning to Philadelphia in 1897. Many objects were sent home to his son Edward, who also collected items at a later date.
Estimate $3,000-4,000

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