Hopi Upright Polychrome Water Canteen [SOLD]

Jean Sahme Nampeyo (1948 - ) Hopi/Tewa, is a daughter of Priscilla Namingha Nampeyo and the granddaughter of Rachel Namingha Nampeyo. Her great grandmother was Annie Healing Nampeyo, whose mother was Nampeyo of Hano.  Jean has seven siblings, all of whom are potters or Katsina doll carvers. Her brothers and sisters are Nyla Sahmie, Rachel Sahmie, Bonnie Chapella, Randy Sahmie, Andrew Sahmie, Foster Sahmie and Finkle Sahmie. Jean is the only member of the family who signs her name Sahme rather than Sahmie.  

Jean has a very artistic style of creating designs on pottery. She does not hesitate to select parts of traditional Sikyatki design elements and to arrange them in a most artistic and pleasing manner. The designs she chose for this jar are selections from Sikyatki pottery and appear to be bird-like in form with an insect added as a surprise element. Her arrangement of the design in a non-structured pattern provides for interesting viewing. The canteen is decorated on front.  It is provided with a twisted rawhide strap for use in hanging.  It sits upright in a secure manner.  It is signed J. Sahme Nampeyo.

Condition: The canteen is in excellent condition.

Provenance: from the estate of a long-time Santa Fe family

Related Items:  Canvas of Clay: Seven Centuries of Hopi Ceramic Art by Edwin L. Wade and Allan Cooke

Artist photo courtesy of Rick Dillingham: Fourteen Families In Pueblo Pottery.