Native American Acoma/Hopi Hand-Built and Hand-Etched Seed Pot

Ergil F. Vallo, Sr. (1959-2005), known by his signature “Dalawepi,” meaning “color of the rainbow,” was a talented potter of Acoma and Hopi descent. At the age of 21, he began crafting distinctive pottery, inspired by his family’s rich tradition. Dalawepi specialized in incised black pottery, a process involving repeated firing of gray clay to achieve a polished black surface. The unique black color results from introducing oxygen into the hot firing process. He then etched the surface to reveal vibrant colors created using natural pollens and minerals.

Dalawepi’s designs featured Hopi Katsinam, Mimbres animals, kiva steps, and geometric patterns. His pots served both artistic and practical purposes; in the fall, they were filled with seeds and stacked to conserve space and protect the contents from rodents, ensuring a successful crop for the next year.

This particular piece is a Native American seed pot adorned with intricate etchings of three Mudheads, three Katsina Manas, and various animals. The more you examine this extraordinary work, the more details and stories it reveals. ^