Sally J. Black (Diné/Navajo, b. 1959)
Fire God (Haashchʼééshzhiní) — A Commissionable Masterwork — hand‑coiled basket; hand‑split, hand‑dyed three‑leaf sumac (Rhus trilobata); unique per commission
Provenance
Commissioned directly from the artist for the collector; each work is a one‑of‑one and is issued with a signed Certificate of Authenticity and full documentation. (Inventory ref. assigned at contract: SJB–FG–COM–[YY]–[##].) This is an award‑winning design within Black’s oeuvre; documentation of prior juried recognition is on file.
Catalogue Note
Fire God is a signature pictorial design by master weaver Sally J. Black, conceived in dialogue with Diné teachings regarding Haashchʼééshzhiní, guardian of fire and protector of the hearth. Rather than literal depiction, Black translates this theme into a disciplined geometry: a radiant star‑center expands through the spiral coil, while ordered crosses and banding organize the field with ceremonial clarity. The result is a work that communicates creation, protection, and balance—a visually commanding statement piece that also carries art‑historical weight in the evolution of contemporary Navajo basketry.
Technique & Materials
Prepared entirely by hand from three‑leaf sumac, each commission begins with shoots the artist splits, trims, smooths, and dyes to exact hue and value. The evenness of her stitching, the precision of color registration at high‑contrast edges, and the impeccably finished rim are hallmarks of Black’s mature practice. The spiral coil functions as structure and metaphor, allowing energy to emanate from the core while maintaining absolute control of interval and rhythm.
Commission Parameters (bespoke options)
Scale: Woven to the collector’s desired diameter; the composition reads powerfully from 24 inches upward.
Palette: Traditional neutrals with optional accent colors (natural and commercial dyes).
Presentation: Museum‑grade wall mount or shadow‑frame on request.
Documentation: COA with unique inventory ID, materials, and completion date; condition report included.
Details — Example Commission
Artist: Sally J. Black (Diné/Navajo)
Materials: Three‑leaf sumac; natural and commercial dyes
Dimensions: Varies by commission
Weaving Time: Varies by size and complexity — a 24‑inch piece ~150 hours of master‑level work
Edition: Unique (one‑of‑one) per commission
Display, Shipping & Compliance
Display: Recommend a shadow‑mount with UV‑mitigated lighting and stable RH; avoid direct sunlight.
Shipping: Professionally crated with wall‑to‑wall insurance; pre‑/post‑shipment condition documentation provided.
Compliance: All representation and labeling comply with the Indian Arts and Crafts Act.
Cultural Note: Sacred references are presented respectfully and for art‑historical context only; this text is not intended as ceremonial instruction.