Small Hopi-Tewa Pottery Bowl with Nampeyo Fired on the Base [SOLD]

This small Hopi bowl, with Nampeyo fired onto the base, is a rare and compelling piece that bears the unmistakable hallmarks of Nampeyo of Hano's artistry. The yellow clay body, finely polished surface, confident brushwork, and overall sense of balance and intimacy all point to her influence. Though Nampeyo never signed her pottery, this piece includes her name, suggesting it may have been produced during a time when her work was gaining broader recognition. Occasionally, Annie signed her mom's name. It is reasonable to conclude that the piece was made to appeal to collectors seeking named attribution.

Hopi-Tewa Matriarch Nampeyo of Hano (1857-1942) was one of the most influential potters in the Southwest and is credited with reviving the ancient Sikyátki style of pottery at Hopi in the late 19th century. Her work drew national attention through her longstanding relationship with the Fred Harvey Company, which introduced Pueblo pottery to tourists traveling by rail. In the early 1900s, Nampeyo was invited to demonstrate her pottery-making at the Grand Canyon as an artist-in-residence, where she formed and painted vessels in front of visitors. This period marked a pivotal moment when her artistry reached a broader audience, and pieces associated with her name began to hold special value among collectors.

This bowl embodies Nampeyo's legacy through its graceful form, expressive design, and quiet sense of presence that continues to resonate to this day.

Condition: very good condition

Provenance: This Small Hopi-Tewa Pottery Bowl with Nampeyo Fired on the Base is from the collection of a client of Adobe Gallery.

Recommended Reading: The Legacy of a Master Potter - Nampeyo and Her Descendants by Mary Ellen and Laurence Blair

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