Norman L. Sandfield’s collecting passion for silver seed pots can be seen in a tiny but magnificent exhibition at the Heard Museum. On display are more than 70 miniature silver seed pots from a collection of nearly 300 that Sandfield donated to the Heard Museum. The collection, which Sandfield collected over a period of 28 years, ranges from traditional designs recreated in silver to a truly interstellar outlook with the Star Wars series created by L. Eugene Nelson, Navajo. Sandfield also commissioned works from jewelers who normally do not create containers, and the results are stunning.

Seed pots were originally pottery items and were created for a far different purpose than beauty: American Indian tribal communities relied on the small pots with tiny holes to safely store seeds for the following growing season. Naturally, as Indians do not recognize a discrete word for “art,” these pots, which seldom exceeded about two inches in diameter, were festooned with carvings and designs.

Later, artists began casting these everyday pots from silver instead of throwing them on a pottery wheel. However, the artistry did not suffer; indeed, it’s grown over the years as Native artists stretch their creativity to form ever more beautiful—and even whimsical—pots from silver, gold and stones.

“The artists who fashion them bring together the best of two worlds,” writes Sandfield in the preface to the companion book, Old Traditions in New Pots: Silver Seed Pots from the Norman L. Sandfield Collection, authored by former Heard Museum Curator Tricia Loscher.

“A long history of beautiful ceramic vessels inspires the American Indian artists who make silver seed pots,” Sandfield continues. “These miniature works of art incorporate design elements from traditional Navajo and Hopi pots, textiles, and baskets, as well as other sources.

“While not functional, the pots do contain the spirit of traditional vessels made by the artists’ ancestors. The contemporary silver seed pots continue the ancient heritage of utilitarian storage pots. The miniature silver pots incorporate elegant silhouettes, precise exterior designs, and the occasional surprise of interior decoration or embellishment.”

Publications
A book titled Old Traditions in New Pots: Silver Seed Pots from the Norman L. Sandfield Collection and written by Tricia Loscher was published in 2007 when the exhibition of the same name opened. This 144-page softcover book can be purchased at the Heard Museum Shops or online at HeardMuseumShop.com.

Images from top: Four pots by Norbert Peshlakai, Navajo, b. 1953; Wagon and Oxen, c. 1950, Heard Museum purchase; L. Eugene Nelson, Navajo, b. 1954, "Star Wars Series," 1995; Alex Sanchez, detail of hallmark; Norbert Peshlakai, detail of hallmark.