Native American, Mojave Pottery Effigy Vase, by Elmer Gates, Ca 1970's, #1033

1033. Description: Mojave Pottery Effigy Vase, By Elmer Gates, 1970's, four spout pottery effigy vase has beaded necklace and earrings, signed Elmer Gates

Dimensions: 9'' x 5''

Condition: Very good for age. One small pebble pop on spout.

Elmer Gates, was born in 1929 and lived in Poston, Arizona on the Fort Mojave Reservation. He had learned to make pottery from his aunt. He then continued studying all styles of southwestern pottery and working with various techniques. He sold his work at the Colorado River Indian Tribal Museum in the 1970's. Gates was so confident in his chosen profession that he taught a number of young artists of Mojave and Maricopa Tribes, as well as non-natives, including Santa Fe ceramicist Rick Dillingham.

Elmer Gates was a true artist. He experimented with many shapes, techniques and motifs. He made human figurines, but was also well known for his owls and frogs. His shapes were free flowing and not necessarily true to muscular form