Low and Wide Seed Jar by Leah Nampeyo [SOLD]

This is a traditional jar made by Leah Nampeyo, granddaughter of Nampeyo of Hano and daughter of Fannie Nampeyo. The jar is substantially designed, featuring a cream slip with designs executed in black and red pigments.

This jar displays the migration pattern, which represents the migration of the Hopi people through their four worlds. Here, the migration pattern appears within a wide design band, which covers the majority of the jar's exterior. Additional lines in black appear above and below the wide band. The jar's shape is immensely appealing. It's a low, wide seed jar, with an opening that measures less than half of the jar's total diameter.

While its form and design are wonderful, the jar's most appealing trait might be its coloration. There's nothing unusual about the black and red tones used for the designs, but the slip stands out as extraordinary. It varies quite a bit from tan to orange, which is typical. However, when it reaches its strongest orange tone it achieves a brilliant glow, which elevates the visual impact immeasurably without stepping outside the lines of traditional design.

Leah Garcia Nampeyo (1928-1974) was the second-born daughter of Fannie Polacca Nampeyo (1900-1987). She was not a prolific potter; actively making pottery for only 29 years. She is represented with only two pieces in the collection of the Museum of Northern Arizona, and with only three pieces in the Heard Museum collection, evidence of her limited production.

Leah was the sister of Elva Tewaguna, Harold Polacca, Tonita Hamilton, Tom Polacca, Elsworth Polacca, and Iris Youvella. She was married to Lewis Garcia of Laguna Pueblo, and was the mother of Melda, James, and Rayvin.

Condition: this Hopi-Tewa Polychrome Pottery Jar by Leah Nampeyo is in very good condition

Provenance: this Low and Wide Seed Jar by Leah Nampeyo is from a private New York collection

Recommended Reading: Fourteen Families in Pueblo Pottery by Rick Dillingham

TAGS: Hopi/Tewa, Nampeyo of Hano, Fannie Polacca Nampeyo, Elva Tewaguna Nampeyo, Tonita Hamilton Nampeyo, Tom Polacca, Iris Youvella Nampeyo, Melda Nampeyo, James Garcia Nampeyo, Southwest Indian Pueblo Pottery, Leah Garcia Nampeyo