This innovative sterling silver overlay seed pot was designed and handmade by Native American award winning artists, Everett & Mary Teller. The seed pot is made entirely from sterling silver and the overlay design has two intentional openings in the border around the opening of the pot. This is a Navajo tradition carried over from rug weaving. When there was a border, the traditional weavers became very concerned about trapping their creative spirit within the weaving and not being able to weave in the future. Therefore they added a "spirit line", which was a small strand of yarn of contrasting color that flows from the inner design element of the weaving to the outer edge. The custom continues today in many contemporary Navajo rugs. The Tellers have incorporated this tradition into their silver seed pot. (see the red arrows on the last photo to see the two intentional openings in the rug design on the pot).
The seed pot measures about 2-3/8 inches wide and 1-1/8 tall. It weighs 39.5 grams.
Brand new and in perfect condition. Gift Box and Certificate of Authenticity included. Hallmarked by and purchased directly from the artists. All of their pieces are signed with their initials EMT encased with a fish symbolizing their Christian faith.
One of a kind Navajo handmade seed pot created by two of the Navajo jewelry world's premier artists.
Please ignore the reflections showing in the highly polished sterling silver. It is impossible for me to get a photo of this pot without some kind of reflection showing up. Argh!
STERLING SILVER OVERLAY TECHNIQUE. This technique uses multiple layers of sterling silver soldered together to create a three dimensional effect. The top layer is a handmade, hand cut overlay created from a sheet of sterling that is then bonded to the base layer of sterling. The base layer background is usually oxidized, which turns the silver surface black, and is often scratched or stamped. The oxidation brings out a contrast between the two pieces and makes the individual designs more visible.
Everett and Mary Teller collaborate as a successful husband and wife team creating a vast array of sterling silver and gold jewelry along with other handcrafted items. They have received many awards for their work over the years.