Historic Jar with Raised Corn Designs by Nampeyo of Hano [SOLD]

This extraordinary jar represents a fascinating intersection of archaeological inspiration and the personal evolution of the "Instigator of the Hopi Revival," Nampeyo of Hano. It is a piece that invites both the eye and the hand, standing as a pivotal example of her creative trajectory.

A central question among collectors is when Nampeyo began integrating tactile, corrugated elements into her work. This jar sits at the heart of a compelling scholarly discussion.

Barbara Kramer argues Nampeyo turned to tactile designs (corrugation/indentations) as her eyesight began to fail, making pottery easier to craft by touch. She suggests c.1918-1922.

Dr. Ed Wade believes these designs were stylistic choices, not just adaptations. He points to Sumner W. Matteson's 1900 photos as evidence of early appliqué work. Wade suggests c.1905-1910.

The Verdict: The painting on this jar is remarkably precise. The "crossed fine lines" are razor-straight and the brushwork is meticulous — technical hallmarks that strongly support Dr. Wade's theory that Nampeyo created this while her vision was still at its peak.     

While Nampeyo famously drew from the 1895 Sikyatki excavations, this specific jar features a motif that was entirely her own invention: Four ears of corn are literally "pushed out" from the interior of the vessel wall in bas-relief. This "repoussé" technique is accented by four vertical rows of kernel impressions. These raised elements, along with a double row of shoulder impressions, are treated with a rich, rose-colored clay slip that contrasts beautifully with the jar's primary body.  Because these "corn ears" do not appear in ancient Sikyatki finds, they represent Nampeyo's transition from a "revivalist" to a true modern innovator.

Beyond the unique corn motif, the jar displays the classic signatures that confirm a Nampeyo attribution:

• The walls are exceptionally thin, and the rim displays that subtle, elegant outward flare that is a hallmark of her shaping.
• The vessel exudes a "warm orange glow," a result of traditional coal-firing that creates a deep, vibrant patina.
• The body is divided into four highly structured panels featuring precise Sikyatki-period geometry, including the iconic black-crossed fine lines.

This jar is more than a beautiful object; it is an "important" vessel that exudes a sense of gravity and history. Its unique combination of tactile repoussé work and refined fine-line painting makes it an essential piece for understanding the full breadth of Nampeyo's genius.

Condition: very good condition with minor slip cracks on the under side.

Provenance: this Historic Jar with Raised Corn Designs by Nampeyo of Hano is from the collection of a client to whom we sold this previously

References: 

- Wade, Edwin L. and Allan Cooke. Canvas of Clay Seven Centuries of Hopi Ceramic Art

- Kramer, Barbara.  Nampeyo and Her Pottery

TAGS: Hopi Pueblo, Fannie Polacca Nampeyo, Nellie Nampeyo Douma, Annie Healing Nampeyo, Nampeyo of Hano, Hopi-Tewa Potter and Matriarch