Preliminary identification

Hopi-Tewa Polychrome Seed Bowl by Barbara Maha

Photo reference

2 uploaded photos

Overview

A hand-coiled and pit-fired ceramic bowl featuring traditional Sikyatki-revival motifs in mineral pigments. The piece displays the characteristic 'fire clouds' and warm orange-to-cream slip typical of authentic Hopi-Tewa pottery.

Story

The lineage of this bowl stretches back to the late 19th century, when a potter named Nampeyo began reviving the ancient designs found in the ruins of Sikyatki.

Maker / Origin

Barbara Maha (also known as Barbara Maha Lalo) is a respected Hopi-Tewa potter from the Corn Clan. Residing in Polacca on the First Mesa, she is known for maintaining the labor-intensive traditional…

Condition & Value

The bowl appears to be in excellent vintage condition with no visible cracks, chips, or significant abrasions. The surface polish remains bright, and the mineral pigments are well-preserved. Excellent condition is critical for traditional pottery, as the low-fire clay is more fragile than modern stoneware.

Full Research

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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

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Market Analysis

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.

Value Drivers

▲ Strong maker attribution with credible period details
▲ Better-than-average condition for the category
▲ Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact

Concerns

▼ Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
▼ Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
▼ Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues

Best Venue

Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.

Comparable Sales

5 comps

Regional auction

· Jun 2024

Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.

$1,280

SOLD

Dealer archive

· Mar 2024

Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.

$1,450

SOLD

Marketplace sale

· Jan 2024

Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.

$980

SOLD

Estate platform

· Oct 2023

Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.

$1,150

SOLD

Auction result

· Aug 2023

Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.

$1,375

SOLD