2004.108.5

A souvenir seed shaker purchased in New Mexico by owner in the 1980s from an Acoma artist. The artifact is a low-fired earthenware pierced hollow sphere with a matte white slip, decorated with red ochre and black geometric designs. Artifact was accompanied with a note written by either seller or buyer that explains the motif: "Acoma Seed Shaker. Hand shaped with a gourd shell. The symbols are sun (red), earth (WHite), rain (lines), clouds (some of the shapes). The colors are made from the local rocks. WIld spionach is boiled, mashed, and added as a fixative for the color. The pots are baked in outside overs using cow ships. THe paint brush is made from a yucca leaf chwed until it is stringy." Mostly likely the vessal was new at the time of purchase (PCK, 3/1/05).

Used: made for sale