Vintage Frances Mann Egg Ornament Martha Struever Collection

About the Piece: Here's a vintage ornament handmade by folk artist Frances Mann.

The brightly colored ornament is made out of a real hand-blown egg. It's clearly inspired by a katsina with its bold stylized mask-like face and feathered head-dress, but it's American folk art rather than Native American art.

The unique look of this original ornament must have been what called to Martha Hopkins Struever, renowned Native American art dealer and the original collector of this piece. Besides her passion for Indigenous artwork, Marti also loved folk art of all kinds.

Marti purchased the ornament many years ago through Susan's Christmas Shop, a beloved Santa Fe holiday store known for its distinctive artisan creations.

This whimsical piece measures about 3 1/2" x 3 1/2" and is signed F. Mann.

Summary:

Item: Vintage Frances Mann Egg Ornament Martha Struever Collection

Attribution: Frances Mann

Materials: hand-blown egg, paint, wood, feathers

Dimensions: 3 1/2" x 3 1/2"

Signature: yes

Provenance: Private Christmas ornament collection Martha Hopkins Struever