Samuel Manymules #020418

$900.00

Samuel and I have been discussing the idea of taking some of his favorite shapes and paring them down to a smaller size. Several collectors have asked for his work in this size range. He did a fantastic job in creating these new works.

I find most everything about this vase to be aesthetically pleasing. It is a beautiful hand coiled pine pitch jar. Samuel concentrated on the shape. Since the piece is plain polished and fired outdoors, one can see the excellence in coloration and form. Many fire clouds appear. The squared opening and flat surfaces of this vase are so contemporary looking yet using all natural pigments and traditional techniques. After Samuel fired the piece outdoors, he added pine pitch which was applied both inside and out while the pot was still warm. Afterwards, he polished it with a cotton cloth to help achieve that excellent shine. As you turn the piece around, it is beautiful from all angles. The varied hues of reds and blacks are stunning.

5” high by 4 ¾” wide

Categories: , , Artist:

Samuel Manymules

Samuel Manymules was born August 30, 1963 of the Bitterwater Clan for the Red House Nakai Dine Clan. He writes for us, “Unemployment is extremely high on the Navajo Nation. Through my adult life, I have been employed sporadically among many trades: I once made jewelry for the late Herbert Taylor, drove a tow truck for several years, and worked at an auto dealership. After dabbling in making pottery for over a decade, it is only very recently that I considered myself a potter, I am self-taught, At the moment, I consider myself more serious and engaged with my pottery.

The vessels I make are of traditional natural materials. First, I gather moist pure clay from local riverbed sources, which is then dried three to four months in the sun. When dried, the resulting clumps are crushed, ground and sifted into fine powder. Temper is also gathered and processed; volcanic ash, silt, or pottery shards may be used. After hand mixing, the clay is set aside for curing. Finally, after many months of preparation, the clay mixture is ready for use. Firing is an all-day process. Cedar wood is used because it burns efficiently and high temperatures. Fire clouds happen by chance. When finished, debris, such as ash, is carefully removed. Refined pinion tree sap is then swabbed inside and out with a stick while the vessel cools. After the vessel cools, the pottery is polished with a cotton cloth to a high sheen.

Samuel has won numerous awards since 2002, including a recent Judges’ Choice Award at the 2008 Heard Museum and a Blue Ribbon at the 2009 Santa Fe Indian Market. He has been awarded Blue and red ribbons at both the Santa Fe Indian Market, the Heard Museum Market, and in both 2005 and 2006 won Best of Pottery at the Southwest Museum Indian Marketplace.

For inquiries or to place on order
Please fill out this contact form, or call the gallery at 303-321-1071

    We accept VISA, AMERICAN EXPRESS, DISCOVER, MASTER CARD, personal checks, and money orders.
    LAY AWAY plans are available. (1/4 of the total as a down payment, followed by mutually determined monthly payments).