Hopi-Tewa Reservation

Dee J. Setalla is a member of the Hopi-Tewa Reservation. He was born and raised in Snowbird Canyon Arizona, and is a member of the Bear Clan.

Dee began experimenting with pottery at the age of 6. Dee learned the art of pottery making from his Mother, Pauline Setalla, and his Aunt, Eunice, “ Fawn “, Navasie, both well known Hopi potters. They taught him all the fundamentals of pottery making the traditional way.

Dee specializes in handmade traditional Hopi pottery. He gathers all his materials from within the Hopi Reservation. Dee paints traditional designs of birds, moths, butterflies, bear claws, clouds, and rain on his pottery. Natural pigments found within the Hopi Reservation also provide the colors used on his pottery.

Dee uses the walpi polychrome yellow and beige with blushes, characteristic of Hopi pottery.

Dee signs his pottery as: D.S., Hopi, followed by a bear paw symbol to denote his Clan origin.

Stetson Setalla (brother), Joy “Frogwoman” Navasie (aunt), Burel Naha (cousin), and Sylvia “Featherwoman” (cousin) are among some of the famous artists that Dee is related to.

Publications:
-Fourteen Families in Pueblo Pottery
-Hopi-Tewa Pottery 500 Artist Biographies

Awards:
-Santa Fe Indian Market, 1st place
-New Mexico State Fair