Mariana Castillo Deball has created a limited edition of ceramic sculptures to accompany her 2020 exhibition Between making knowing something, with each vessel recreating the pottery techniques and hand-painted decorative designs common to the Zuni, a Native American Pueblo people native to the Zuni River valley.

The edition is a continuation of Deball’s exploration of the creative life of Zuni lhamana We’wha (1849–1896) who had exceptional skills in weaving and pottery and fabricated many ceramics, textiles and decorative items in her lifetime. A number of these artefacts are now held in the Smithsonian Institution collection in Washington D.C and provide a continuing source of anthropological study. In recreating the We’wha’s technically accomplished objects Deball makes visible the life and work of this historically overlooked figure. 

The ceramic bowls are made out of red stoneware, a material native to the Zunis, and are perforated with a ‘kill hole’, a gesture that was used by different cultures to eliminate the utilitarian value of an object. Deball added these ‘kill holes’ perforations to each of her ceramic artworks in the exhibition, and suspended them from the ceiling using rope. Lengths of rope also accompany the edition to provide an alternative means of their display.

A limited edition of 7 ceramics, exclusive to Modern Art Oxford. All our editions come with a certificate of authenticity.

Exclusively made for Modern Art Oxford, our artist editions are often created to accompany a major exhibition in the galleries. Modern Art Oxford is a charity and all proceeds from the sale of these works directly support our exhibition and education programmes. All editions come with a certificate of authenticity.

Please allow 7-10 days for the Editions to arrive due to the careful packaging and preparation involved.

Price is inclusive of VAT. Please contact us on [email protected] to discuss shipping options