Faye Tso facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Faye Tso
|
|
|---|---|
Faye Tso, c. 1990
|
|
| Born | 1933 Coal Mine Mesa, Arizona
|
| Died | 2004 (aged 70–71) |
| Nationality | Navajo |
| Known for | Ceramics, herbal medicine |
Faye Tso (born 1933, died 2004) was an amazing Navajo artist. She was known for making beautiful pottery and also for being an herbal medicine healer.
Her pottery was special because it had unique pictures. Most Navajo pottery doesn't have many designs. But Faye Tso drew corn maidens, brave warriors, and dancers on her pots.
Faye was born in Coal Mine Mesa, Arizona. In 1974, she and other Navajo people had to move to Tuba City, Arizona. This happened because of a disagreement over land between the Navajo and Hopi tribes.
Even after moving, she went back to Coal Mine Mesa to get her special clay. She also collected sap from pine trees there. This sticky sap, called "pinon pitch," was used to make her pottery strong and waterproof.
In 1990, a group called the Arizona Indian Living Treasures Association honored Faye. They called her a "living treasure" because of her important work. Faye's husband and son are medicine men. They use her pots in their special ceremonies.
Faye Tso's Famous Artworks
Faye Tso's pottery pieces have sold for a lot of money. Some of her artworks are kept in the famous Smithsonian American Art Museum.
Here are some of her well-known pieces:
- Head of Emmett, made around 1985. This piece is made of fired clay with pinon pitch.
- Bean Pot with Incised Corn Maiden Figures, made in 1987. This pot also uses fired clay and pinon pitch.
- Pot with Dancers with Headdresses and Rattles, made around 1985. It's a large pot with detailed figures.
- Pot with Figurative Decoration, made around 1992. This piece shows more of her unique designs.
