Emma Lewis (1931-2013) - Acoma Polychrome Heartline Bear Jar c. 1972, 4" x 4.75"

This pottery is in good condition. There are areas with slight surface wear and small slip pops. Signed by the artist on the bottom. This pottery comes from a California collection that has stayed in the same family for about 50 years. The original owners, a husband and wife, both served during World War II at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, Arizona. They shared a love for Native American arts and crafts, collecting pottery and baskets over the years. Their daughter, who also appreciated Native American art, inherited the collection. In 1966, she and her husband, a professional potter, began participating in an annual festival at St. Andrew’s Abbey in Valyermo, California. There, they met Acoma potter Lucy Lewis and her family, and sometimes traded pottery with them. Lucy used the husband’s pottery at Sky City for ceremonies, and their friendship continued for several years. In the early 1970s, Lucy and her daughters visited their home in Claremont, California, and gave the couple a large pottery piece made by Lucy. Featured in the exhibition of the book "A Tribute to Lucy M. Lewis - Acoma Potter" by John E. Collins. Exhibit No. 146. (Book not included.) A copy of a letter from the owner is included with this piece.