Provenance: From the collection of a prominent Washington, D.C. metro area collector of Indigenous art.
Artist: JoFern Silas Puffer (b. 1961), Hopi-Tewa (First Mesa), Arizona
Medium: Hand-painted polychrome pottery
Condition: Excellent vintage condition with no chips, cracks, or repairs.
As a collector of Native American fine art, this Hopi-Tewa wedding vase by JoFern Silas Puffer (Hopi-Tewa, First Mesa) is a meaningful acquisition that embodies Indigenous artistry and Southwestern pottery traditions. JoFern Silas Puffer is a distinguished potter of Hopi-Tewa and Laguna heritage, actively creating pottery since 1990. Her work has been showcased in esteemed institutions such as the Adobe Gallery in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Her pieces are highly sought after by collectors and institutions alike, making this wedding vase not just beautiful decor but a significant piece of contemporary Indigenous art history.
This wedding vase is a masterpiece of Hopi-Tewa pottery, distinguished by its precise geometric patterns, traditional tribal designs, and a rich earthy-toned handmade base. Hopi-Tewa pottery is renowned for its hand-painted polychrome surfaces, intricate symbolic motifs, and refined craftsmanship. JoFern Silas Puffer's signature style is characterized by her detailed geometric artistry, expert hand-coiling techniques, and cultural storytelling through pottery, creating pieces that are both timeless and deeply connected to tradition. Her work seamlessly blends ancestral Hopi-Tewa pottery techniques with a refined contemporary aesthetic, making it highly desirable for collectors and contemporary art enthusiasts alike.
Shipping: Carefully packaged for secure delivery. Insurance included for peace of mind.
International Buyers: Customs duties and import taxes are the buyer's responsibility.
Care Instructions: To maintain the finish of this wedding vase, gently dust with a soft cloth. If cleaning is needed, use a damp cloth with mild soap. Avoid abrasive materials or soaking to preserve its beauty.
Experience the beauty of museum-quality Indigenous craftsmanship with this authentic JoFern Silas Puffer Hopi-Tewa wedding vase. Visit our shop for more unique Native American pottery and fine art: theclassytea.com
About the Artist:
JoFern Silas Puffer (b. 20th century) is a renowned Hopi-Tewa potter, widely credited with preserving and evolving First Mesa's traditional polychrome pottery techniques. She is the daughter of Roberta Silas, a highly respected Hopi-Tewa potter, and part of a family of ceramicists, including her sisters Lauann and Antoinette Silas.
Her work has been exhibited internationally and is part of major museum collections and Indigenous art galleries.
Her pottery is known for its intricate geometric motifs, thin-walled craftsmanship, and traditional polychrome techniques, all achieved through hand-coiling, mineral-based pigments, and precise hand-painting methods. JoFern Silas Puffer's artistry continues the legacy of Hopi-Tewa pottery, ensuring that the techniques passed down through generations remain a vital part of contemporary Indigenous art.
About Hopi-Tewa Pottery Tradition:
The Hopi-Tewa people, originally from the Rio Grande region, are known for their hand-coiled polychrome pottery, intricate geometric designs, and spiritual storytelling through ceramics. Today, they reside on First Mesa in Arizona, where their work is celebrated in Native-owned shops and art galleries.
The wedding vase is a highly respected form in Native American pottery, symbolizing marriage, harmony, and unity. Traditionally, it is gifted to couples to bless them with a prosperous and loving union.
JoFern Silas Puffer's innovation lies in her refinement of these ancestral techniques, ensuring their survival while adapting them for modern collectors. Her intricate craftsmanship and cultural dedication have cemented her legacy as one of the most influential Hopi-Tewa ceramicists of the modern era, showcasing the harmonious balance between tradition and contemporary artistry.