Early 20th Century Navajo Pitch Pine Pottery Vase by Lorena H Bartlett

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Navajo Pitch Pine Pottery Vase by Lorena H. Bartlett

This exceptional Navajo pitch pine vase is the work of renowned … Read more Navajo Pitch Pine Pottery Vase by Lorena H. Bartlett

This exceptional Navajo pitch pine vase is the work of renowned Navajo potter Lorena H. Bartlett, a member of the Deeshchii’nii (Start of the Red Streak) clan. With over 60 years of experience, Bartlett is celebrated for preserving and practicing true **old-style Navajo pottery traditions**, making her work increasingly rare and highly collectible.

Each vessel begins with **locally sourced clay gathered near her home in Cow Springs, Arizona, which is hand-formed without molds or a wheel. The pot is then fired in a traditional outdoor wood pit, an ancestral technique passed down through generations. While still warm from the firing, the surface is glazed with natural pine resin (pine pitch), creating the rich, organic sheen and earthy aroma characteristic of authentic pitch pine pottery.

The form is both sculptural and timeless, reflecting the utilitarian origins of Navajo pottery while standing comfortably as a contemporary art object. Variations in tone, surface, and finish are inherent to the traditional process and are considered a hallmark of authenticity.

A beautiful example of Indigenous craftsmanship, this vase represents not only a functional vessel but also a living continuation of Navajo cultural heritage.

Details:

* Artist: Lorena H. Bartlett
* Origin: Cow Springs, Arizona
* Material: Hand-dug clay with pine pitch glaze
* Technique: Hand-formed, traditional wood pit fired
* Condition: Excellent vintage condition
* One-of-a-kind, handmade piece

Perfect for collectors of Native American art, Southwestern interiors, or anyone seeking a meaningful and historically grounded ceramic work. See less