Lot #52: Native American pottery vase from the "Calling the Spirits" - signed James Benally a Navajo (Dine)

Native American pottery vase from the "Calling the Spirits" - signed Benally {Designed by Navajo (Dine) artists, and signed James Benally. • The original James Benally was born Into the Red Cheek People Clan, he lives and works on the Utah Strip of the Navajo Res., between the Four Corners and Monument Valley. James and his Wife, Jean, have been key artists at Cedar Mesa Pottery since 1987. • The artwork depicts a shaman playing a flute to communicate with animal spirits, seeking their assistance for his people. • Slip wear mold clay, cone 6 electric fired with a unglazed exterior, and clear glazed interior. • These vases are hand-painted and often feature a "Westwater" finish, characterized by the textured, earth- toned landscape and silhouetted figures created through stencil screens. • From further research, and examining the signatures on several similar pieces there are many variations on the actual signature style. So this may be on "ode" to the original potter. • These have been made from 1987 to the present, but this piece dates between 1990 and 2000. • In excellent condition, no breaks, cracks, or chips. View Images • 11.5 cm x 14.5 cm. x 14.5 cm. Dimensions: 11.5 cm x 14.5 cm. x 14.5 cm. Pickup category timeslot {A}