Featured in this lot is an Original Signed Hopi Polychrome Red Slip Pottery Jar by R. Galvan, signature located on base. Pueblo pottery is made using a coiled technique that came into northern Arizona and New Mexico from the south, some 1500 years ago. In the four-corners region of the US, nineteen pueblos and villages have historically produced pottery. Although each of these pueblos use similar traditional methods of coiling, shaping, finishing and firing, the pottery from each is distinctive. Various clays gathered from each pueblo’s local sources produce pottery colors that range from buff to earthy yellows, oranges, and reds, as well as black. Fired pots are sometimes left plain and other times decorated—most frequently with paint and occasionally with appliqué. Painted designs vary from pueblo to pueblo, yet share an ancient iconography based on abstract representations of clouds, rain, feathers, birds, plants, animals and other natural world features. Different combinations of paint color, clay color, and slips are characteristic of different pueblos. Among them are black on cream, black on buff, black on red, dark brown and dark red on white (as found in Zuni pottery), matte red on red, and polychrome—a number of natural colors on one vessel (most typically associated with Hopi). This polychrome jar features the depiction of Monongya Katsina, a Hopi lizard spirit that can be called upon during ceremonies. Monongya Katsina acts as both a guide to Hopi behavior but also chastises those who behave poorly. By looking to the lizard for guidance, they reinforce their own culture. This Hopi polychrome jar is in good overall condition, chipping appears to be related to the original making, no other obvious marring noted. Measures 4.5"W x 4.5"H, mouth and base are 3"W.