Indian Pottery Appraisal

Sioux Pottery Art Vase by Richard Underbaggage, Lakota

This item is a decorative art vase, likely ceramic or terracotta, featuring intricate hand-painted designs. The overall shape is a wide-mouthed, gently curving vessel, tapering slightly towards the base. The primary color of the exposed bottom section is a natural terracotta-orange. The upper portion of the vase is covered with a vibrant and detailed painting depicting a Native American figure adorned with a prominent buffalo-headdress, complete with horns and fur. The figure is shown in profile, facing right, set against a natural landscape featuring trees, mountains, and what appears to be a sky rendered in shades of green and blue-green. The details on the headdress, including the feathers and an ear 'wheel' ornament, are finely delineated with various colors such as white, brown, blue, and red. Below the main painted scene, there is a band of geometric patterns in black and white, reminiscent of traditional Southwestern or Native American textile designs. Further down, on the raw terracotta surface, the artist's name 'UNDERBAGGAGE' and 'LAKOTA' are inscribed in neat white script. The craftsmanship appears to be of high quality, with careful attention to detail in the painting and the overall finish. There are no visible condition issues such as chips, cracks, or significant wear, and the paint appears well-preserved. Given the provided context, the vase was crafted in 1999 by Richard Underbaggage, an artist associated with Sioux Pottery. The inscription 'LAKOTA' further indicates the cultural origin and artistic tradition of the piece. The vase functions as a decorative art object, celebrating Native American heritage and artistry.