Nampeyo Nineteenth Century Hopi Polacca Polychrome Jar [SOLD]

This historic Hopi Pueblo small pottery jar is one of Nampeyo's white-slip creations. These early jars by Nampeyo are often simple in design, as is this one.  It is such simplicity that makes it so appealing. The thick framing line at the neck and the thinner framing line at the midpoint of the jar define the area of design. The long thin swirl lines on the slope of the neck are very typical of a design which Nampeyo continued to use later. The very minimum red slip in the design is indicative of her early work. The rim is brown. The jar would date to 1880 to 1890, the late Polacca Polychrome period.

The long curved design with a black-outlined red tip appears to be the early development of a more elaborate Sikyatki Bird design often produced by Nampeyo. Nampeyo was expert at making long curved lines in a single sweep of the hand using a yucca paint brush.

Sikyatki (1375-1625) was a prehistoric village about two miles from First Mesa. Sikya means "yellow" and ki means "house". The name is possibly derived from the yellow color of the stone from which the pueblo was built. [Blair and Blair 1999:100]

Unlike New Mexico Pueblo water jars, which are taller than wide, the Hopi historic water jars are low and wide with a small opening.                                 

For those who want hardcore evidence of the attribution to Nampeyo, there is none. Attributions are made in part on documented examples sold by Thomas Keam to the Smithsonian, the Peabody Museum, and other sources. Thomas Keam particularly liked the work of Nampeyo and considered her one of the top potters of the time. It is from these samples that we make an attribution. 

For comprehensive photographs of works by Nampeyo, the references listed below are recommended. Canvas of Clay has a dedicated section to Nampeyo and The Legacy of a Master Potter also has photos of her works. We are confident that our attribution is based on facts.

Condition: very good condition. UV inspection reveals no repairs or overpaint.

Provenance: this Nampeyo Nineteenth Century Hopi Polacca Polychrome Jar is from the collection of a client from Texas.

References:

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

- 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