Iris Nampeyo Hopi Contemporary Corn Featured Seed Jar [SOLD]

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Iris Youvella Nampeyo, Hopi Pueblo Potter

Artist Signature of Iris Youvella Nampeyo, Hopi Pueblo PotterIris Nampeyo manifested something wonderful, in her distinct style, with this seed jar.  She effortlessly conveyed special aspects of her cultural heritage alongside beauty to the eye of its beholder.  Organic in shape and color, Iris left it without a slip to alter the clay’s coloring.  Most of the jar has been hand stone polished.  A corn appliqué breaks up the smooth surface and appears to grow out of the base.  A ribbon of matte finish begins mid surface and gently curves around through the base of the ear of corn, and splits up its sides.  An asymmetrical opening further positions this jar as something that may have simply grown from the earth, and adds to its rarity.     

Iris Youvella Nampeyo (1944-2018) was a daughter of Fannie Nampeyo and granddaughter of Nampeyo of Hano.  She and her family are part of the Corn clan of the Hopi-Tewa people.  

Around agriculture and the corn, Hopi have built a civilization despite the inherent difficulties in living within the arid deserts of Arizona. To the Hopi, agriculture is an act of faith that has both religious and economic value, and in accordance with tradition, a majority of dry farming continues to be done by hand and is in fact a collective endeavor, as the men plant, nurture and harvest the crops, while the women and young girls learn the techniques for storing and preserving this harvest for later use. With corn being a representation of the Hopi way of life and a main source of nutrition for the community, the Hopi continue to cultivate and practice their ceremonies and traditions.


Condition: the jar is in excellent condition

Provenance: this Iris Nampeyo Hopi Contemporary Corn Featured Seed Jar is from a private collection

Resource Reference: Hopi Cultural Center website

Relative Links: Hopi PuebloFannie NampeyoNampeyo of HanoElizabeth White (Polingaysi)Al Colton (Qöyawayma)Iris Youvella Nampeyo, Hopi Pueblo Potter

Alternate view of this Hopi Pueblo seed jar.