Stetson Setalla
Thunderbird
Clouds
4" H
x 9 3/4" D
Stetson Setalla comes from
a long line of Hopi potters. His family includes Agnes Navasie
(grandmother), Eunice Navasie (aunt), Agnes Nahsonhoya, and Dee
Setalla (siblings).
He has been an active potter
since 1980 and has been featured in many major works on Hopi
pottery. Stetson consistently shows at major competitions and
venues throughout the Southwest. His work is also featured at
the Heard Museum in Phoenix, Arizona; and the Museum of Indian
Arts & Cultures in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
This piece features four stylized
storm clouds that Stetson calls "Thunderbird Clouds"
because of their long flowing tails which resemble the feathers
of the majestic bird.
As "dry farmers,"
the Hopi rely on the goodwill of the Creator to send the rain
necessary to raise their crops. Water waves surround the rim
of the pottery, while the cloud designs appear on four adjoining
panels. The long spiral design represents the husk of the corn,
and the cross marks represent individual rain drops.
The unique color of this piece
makes it stand out with high contrast. Each of Stetson's pieces
is always unique and distinct. This piece is no exception. His
work is always highly symbolic, as well as perfectly symetrical.
The shoulder is wide, coming to a gradual close at a delicate
lip. This piece rests on a foot approximately 1" in diameter.
He is truly a master artist.
Another of Stetson's unique
trademarks are the designs which continue on the underside of
his pottery. As always, he has signed with his trademark bear-claw/
raincloud symbol representing both his mother and father's clans.
