09.11.21 Samuel Manymules

Samuel Manymules
Minimalist Navajo Potter

By Rebekah Powers | September 2021

Samuel Manymules is known for his modern take on the long tradition of Native American pottery. Collectors of his work find the high polish of his surfaces and the “fire clouds” from the traditional firing methods combine to create his own unique aesthetic.

As a child, Samuel became inspired looking at books on pottery, mesmerized by the photos of pots by Joseph Lonewolf and Christine MeHorse. He soon developed his own sense of form and design through experimentation. His exacting standards kept him from considering himself a serious potter for over a decade. He has since risen like the evening star, a singular light in the long tradition of Navajo pottery making.

He was born in 1962 of the Bitterwater Clan for the Red House Clan. He uses traditional methods and materials, but the shapes of his vessels vary from large bean pots, melon pots and dough bowls. They are burnished smooth and reflective, covered with pinon pitch with a reddish iron oxide that adds a rich depth to the surfaces.

It takes months to prepare the clay after gathering it from local riverbeds. Dried in the sun for 3 to 4 months, the clay is crushed into a fine powder, hand mixed with ash and set aside to cure. Then it will be mixed several more times before it is ready to use.

Samuel uses a variety of traditional building materials, with coils, molding and compacting freeform. He says he starts with an idea about what the pot may become, but allows thoughts and events to intervene in the final shape and character of the piece. The pots are polished several more times, burnishing with a stone during the days to weeks it takes to dry.

Firing is an all day process using cedarwood because it burns efficiently at high temperatures, creating the fire clouds by chance. In this way, the earth and fire contribute along with the artist to create the final look of the vessel. While it is still hot, a refined pinon tree sap is swabbed inside and out with a stick while the pot cools. Before display, he polishes each piece by hand to create his signature finish, a glow that makes each piece feel alive.

Perhaps it is those childhood visions that he still sees in his mind’s eye, or maybe the energy conveyed by the hand of the artist as he imbues the clay with his own life force. However you describe it, once you experience his precision and sense of design, the rich color and smoothness of the clay, you will recognize the talent of this very distinguished artist.

Chimayo Trading is fortunate to host a collection of Samuel Manymules’ work in our main gallery. A very private man himself, his work has traveled far and wide and won many awards in museums and shows throughout the Southwest. Come and experience the perfect grace exemplified in his modern interpretation of his culture. His pieces speak for him and tell a story of tradition and innovation right here in Ranchos De Taos at Chimayo Trading Del Norte.

If you have had a memorable experience with us in the past,
please leave a review.

Come to the gallery to see where History Meets Art in Taos..

#1 Saint Francis Church Plaza
Ranchos de Taos, NM 87557

575.758.0504

We buy individual pieces or whole collections.

Contact us for the evaluation and resale of your collectible art.
We’re interested in locating relevant collections and original New Mexico artwork for purchase. We buy historic and contemporary relevant paintings, pottery, jewelry, textiles, weavings and more.

Contact us directly to discuss and evaluate your collection. If you’re an artist, contact us about the possibility of selling your art on consignment or direct wholesale purchase.

• Instagram
• Facebook

Copyright © 2023 Chimayo Trading Del Norte | Ranchos Del Taos, 87557 | All rights reserved.