P815 Jemez Seed Pot
Traditional seed pot by Jemez potter Marie Chinana. The 2 1/2” x 2 1/4” pot has a lizard on the front along with a traditional pattern Sunface on the back. Signed “M.T. C. Jemez, NM.”
Seed pots were designed to protect the seeds for next year’s planting from rodents and insects. A wide-mouthed vessel like a traditional bowl, jar or olla could not keep vermin out. So, seed pots were created with only a tiny hole that would allow one seed to be dropped in at a time. The pots often have a shape similar to traditional seed pots—a narrow base that widens toward the top.
In many tribes, including the Pueblo Indians, the lizard was associated with sacred medicine and powerful healing energies.
About the artist
Marie Chinana
Marie Chinana is a Jemez Pueblo artist who works with traditional methods. She uses all-natural materials collected from the Jemez Pueblo for her hand coiled pottery.
Marie specializes in traditional polychrome jars and bowls as well as stone polished redware. She uses the combined but recognizable subject matter and also hand paints different designs that are significant to her. She is the daughter of Martha Toya and has been active as a potter since 1982.
She signs her pieces D & M Chinana because her husband often helps her with parts of the pottery making process. Those signed M.T. Chinana or MTC are made soley by Marie.
