Kanyengeh Pottery (Six Nations)
200th Anniversary Bell of H.M Royal Chapel of the Mohawks, c. 1984
hand-thrown and carved local clay
4 ¼” high x 3 3/8” diameter
Description: This bell commemorates the 200th Anniversary of H.M Royal Chapel of the Mohawks which took place the following year in 1985. Steeped in history dating back to the 1459 Confederacy of the Five Nations and the establishment of The Great Peace this chapel was erected 83 years prior to the formation of Canada as part of Joseph Brant’s settlement and relocation due to the American Revolution. It continues as part of the integral and complex relationship between the Six Nations, Canada and the United Kingdom.
The distinctive brown slip body of the bell is decorated with a picture of the chapel, a white-tailed deer stag, a tree of peace [showing a fir/pine tree with exposed downward shooting roots and two down-ward buried crossed war clubs, and topped with a stylized eagle with spread wings] , a turtle, and a bear. Around the top is the inscription MOWAK CHAPEL200 ANNIVERSARY with a bottom hatched border.
Markings: inscribed on the interior ‘KANYENGEH POTTERY [pot mark] ‘1984’ and further inscribed after firing with the unique number ‘27’ which appears to be the number of the bell in sequence
Condition: Antique, Excellent
For Accuracy: insignificant wear, as expected on any vintage pottery. Very fine, like new. See photographs.
