Preliminary identification
Photo reference
3 uploaded photos
Overview
This is an exquisite, hand-coiled polychrome seed jar featuring traditional Acoma geometric designs painted with natural mineral slips. The vessel showcases incredibly fine line work, stepped cloud motifs, and abstract feather patterns characteristic of the sky-high pueblo's ancient pottery tradition.
Story
Crafted high atop a 367-foot sandstone mesa in New Mexico, this jar carries the soul of a 1,000-year-old living culture. The artist gathered local clay, hand-coiled the form, and painted it using a brush made from yucca fiber.
Maker / Origin
Charmae Shields Natseway (b. 1958) is an award-winning Acoma Pueblo potter known for her innovative shapes and masterful execution of traditional designs. Coming from a family of distinguished artists, including her mother Lillian Salvador, she has won numerous awards at the prestigious Santa Fe Indian Market and has her work represented in major museum collections.
Condition & Value
The jar appears to be in excellent condition with no visible cracks, chips, or major paint loss. There is very light shelf wear on the bottom surface, which is normal for authentic Pueblo pottery. Excellent original condition preserves the maximum value.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.