Rare Large Vintage Hand-Coiled Navajo Pottery fluted Turtle Vase by Mary Saxon for Sale

Rare Large Vintage Hand-Coiled Navajo Pottery fluted Turtle Vase by Mary Saxon For Sale

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Rare Large Vintage Hand-Coiled Navajo Pottery fluted Turtle Vase by Mary Saxon:
$1950.00

Authentic Hand-Coiled Navajo Pottery by Mary Saxon \"AH SO\' BAAH\" – 12\" x 10\" (Signed & Dated 1980)

This striking, large hand-coiled Navajo pottery vase by renowned artist Mary Saxon, also known by her Navajo name \"AH SO\' BAAH\", measures approximately 12 inches wide by 10 inches tall. It is an exceptional example of traditional Navajo craftsmanship and cultural storytelling, handcrafted and painted with meticulous attention to detail.

The piece features a beautifully fluted rim, a form rarely seen in traditional Navajo pottery, lending it both elegance and individuality. Surrounding the body of the vessel are four stylized turtles, each adorned with checkerboard-patterned shells and geometric detailing. Lightning bolts connect the turtles up the neck of the vase, a symbolic gesture often representing spiritual energy and natural forces in Navajo iconography. The lower shoulder is encircled by a delicate, hand-painted geometric border.

Crafted entirely using traditional Navajo methods, this pottery was hand-coiled (not wheel-thrown), stone polished, painted with natural earth pigments, and native-fired using materials sourced from Navajo lands. The colors are rich yet soft, in warm natural tones that reflect the desert landscape.

This piece is signed on the base:
NAVAJO \"AH SO\' BAAH\" MARY SAXON \'80, confirming its authenticity and date of creation.

About the Artist:

Mary Saxon (AH SO\' BAAH) was originally from the Crownpoint, New Mexico area and later lived in Albuquerque. Celebrated for both her painted slip cast pottery and her rare handmade works, Mary earned acclaim in the late 1970s, including a Best of Show award at the New Mexico State Fair for a monumental painted jar. While much of her work features pueblo-inspired designs, her handmade pieces—like this one—are far less common and highly collectible.

This one-of-a-kind vase is a rare treasure for collectors of Native American art or Southwestern décor, showcasing the heritage and artistic spirit of the Navajo people.