1983 Navajo Sheep Pottery Figure – MNA Exhibition

Updated August 25, 2026

Vintage Navajo handmade pottery sheep figure accompanied by its original Museum of Northern Arizona Navajo Craftsman Exhibition tag. The tag dates the piece to the July 30–August 7, 1983 exhibition and identifies the place as “Sacred Mtn. T.P.” (Sacred Mountain Trading Post) and the article as “Sheep.” The artist's name was unfortunately not recorded on the tag. The figure is hand formed with a dark black-brown fired surface and subtle warm brown coloration showing through around the legs and body. It measures approximately 5" long x 2.75" tall. The Sacred Mountain Trading Post provenance is particularly interesting. The Museum of Northern Arizona credits trader William “Bill” Beaver of Sacred Mountain Trading Post with playing an important role in encouraging Navajo pottery production and the development of new pottery forms for the collector market. Original 1983 Museum of Northern Arizona exhibition tag is included, providing excellent period provenance. In good vintage condition with natural handmade and firing variations. See photos for details.

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