Polychrome Jar with Flared Rim by Dextra

This polychrome jar was made by Dextra Quotskuyva Nampeyo, an influential Hopi-Tewa potter who was a descendant of Nampeyo of Hano. This jar has a strong, high shoulder, which leads to a sharply curved neck and a dramatically flared rim. Skill and precision are apparent in the vessel's perfect form, and the designs are similarly infused with technical mastery. An intricate composition made of a variety of traditional Hopi elements is repeated four times around the exterior. These elements hang down from a thick orange line, which makes right-angled turns to form a square around the neck.

The slip takes on an appealing tan tone. Interestingly, the coloration shifts a bit at the rim and even more in the interior, arriving at an orange color that nearly matches that which is used within exterior designs. When looking back through previously listed works by the artist, we see dozens of examples, and each is unique in some way. Many, including this example, are small in size but powerful in presence.

The bottom of the jar is signed Dextra and marked with her Corn Clan symbol.

Hopi-Tewa artist Dextra Quotskuyva Nampeyo (1928- 2019) grew up in a household of artists who worked every day, making pottery to sell to tourists, dealers and museums. Her mother was Rachel Namingha and her grandmother was Annie Healing, oldest daughter of Nampeyo of Hano. Nampeyo was still alive when Dextra was born, and Dextra got to know her great grandmother for a dozen years before she passed away. As a young child, Dextra did what all young girls did—she helped gather and process clay. She later was allowed to fill in designs that were drawn on pottery. This was the learning process for young girls who would become the future generation of potters.

Dextra was encouraged by her mother, Rachel, to produce the traditional Sikyatki designs, as other Nampeyo family members were doing. As a respectful daughter, Dextra did what her mother requested. After Rachel passed away in 1985, Dextra then began expanding her repertoire and developed her style of designs, with which she would become an award-winning potter. Dextra passed away in 2019.

Condition: excellent condition

Provenance: this Polychrome Jar with Flared Rim by Dextra is from a  private collection

Recommended Reading: Painted Perfection: The Pottery of Dextra Quotskuyva by Martha Struever

TAGS: Nampeyo of Hano, Annie Healing Nampeyo, Rachel Namingha, Hopi Pueblo, Contemporary Pottery, Dextra Quotskuyva Nampeyo