Lot 205111: Mashongisic Signed Hopi Pottery Bowl

Auction

Estate Auction: Multiple-Estate Liquidation Roseville, CA (187)

Lot Number

205111

Status

Sold

Hammer / Price

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Opening Bid

$5.00

Accepted Bids

31

Closed

2/8/26 7:17 PM PT

Description

Mashongisic is the surname of a Hopi family of potters known for creating traditional Hopi polychrome pottery using ancient, time-honored techniques. Pottery signed by a "Mashongisic" is created in the traditional Hopi manner, consistent with the broader Hopi pottery tradition, particularly the Sikyatki revival style initiated by the renowned potter Nampeyo. All authentic Hopi pottery, including pieces by Mashongisic, is made using the traditional coil and scrape technique without a pottery wheel. The potters use native clay dug from the Hopi mesas, which fires to beautiful shades of cream, gold, or light red due to its iron content. Designs are painted using natural materials, such as a black paint made from the boiled wild bee plant (guaco) and ground hematite, applied with a yucca leaf brush. The finished pieces are fired outdoors in open pits using sheep manure or cedar as fuel, a process that can produce an orange "blush" on the surface. This bowl is characteristic of Hopi polychrome pottery, known for its distinctive yellow-to-apricot clay color, natural pigment paints, and traditional hand-coiling and open-pit firing techniques. These pieces often feature traditional designs like the "double bird" or "eagle feather" motifs visible on the interior and exterior this bowl. 5 1/2" Dia Good condition.