Hopi Cornmeal Box, c. 1920

Description

This yellowware cornmeal box features and abstract bird wrapping around the exterior of the piece, a black rim, and nice blush. Cornmeal boxes are ceremonial Pueblo pottery forms used to hold sacred cornmeal employed in prayer, blessing, and ritual observance. Far from utilitarian storage, these vessels preserve the spiritual purity of the meal, which is sprinkled as visual prayer in rites associated with birth, travel, katsina ceremonies, and offerings to the spirit world.


This box measures 5 ½” high by 4 3/8” in diameter, is in original condition with minor scuffs and a small flake at the top.