At the agency school of the Mohave Indian Reservation, Ten Kate acquired four small pottery busts of people, made by a Chemehuevi girl by the name of Topilla who showed artistic talent. It is not known whether the pottery classes during which these were made were part of the conventional art training in the regular curriculum at the school, or that these classes were organized because of the strong pottery tradition among Mohave that was later adopted by the Chemehuevi. In the base of one effigy, the name of Topilla was carved. This was probably encouraged by her teacher, but possibly suggested by Ten Kate. Small pottery effigies had been made for a long time among Paiute, and were used as children's toys.