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