Miniature Native American Pueblo Pottery Canteen, Old key holder excepting a dark red dye

excepting a dark red dye used on the eye lids

Box shows wear and staining

and gorgeously irregular

I'm not an expert by any means (I'm am just obsessed with how beautiful they are)

Local artisans gather up these remnants and use them to create dolls like this

Miniature Native American Pueblo Pottery Canteen, Old key holder excepting a dark red dyeI am not at all expert on Native American pottery, but I do believe this little piece is quite old indeed it feels ancient and quite beautiful, with a presence that far outweighs its size. The form is that of a canteen, with the top opening made to hold a plug, and the lug handles on the sides I think made to be strung in order to wear it. Definitely it is Southwest Pueblo, and based on the patterns I think possibly Hopi, but I am not certain on that.