Priscilla Nampeyo Large Seed Jar with Eagle Tail Design

This extraordinary jar is one by Priscilla Namingha Nampeyo, representing perhaps the most graceful vessel shape of her long and celebrated career. Perfectly hand-coiled from regional clay, the jar features a vibrant, glowing orange finish — a testament to Priscilla's mastery over the traditional firing process.

A Rare Departure in Design

While Priscilla was known for her black-and-red polychrome designs, this piece is decorated exclusively in black pigment. This monochromatic approach is highly unusual for the artist, resulting in a sophisticated, high-contrast look that highlights the precision of her brushwork.

A bold band of black pigment surrounds the rim, flowing outward toward the shoulder into a squared-off Sikyatki-inspired motif. At each of the four corners, Priscilla painted delicate, pendant prayer feathers. The primary design consists of four equally spaced eagle-tail elements, each accented with intricate, elaborate spirals.

Legacy and Provenance

Priscilla Namingha Nampeyo (1924-2008) was a cornerstone of the Nampeyo family legacy. A third-generation descendant of the legendary Nampeyo of Hano, her lineage is a "Who's Who" of Hopi-Tewa pottery: Her Great-Grandmother was Nampeyo of Hano (who began teaching Priscilla at age seven),her Grandmother was Annie Healing Nampeyo, and her Mother was Rachel Namingha Nampeyo.

This jar is signed Priscilla Namingha Nampeyo, a signature she adopted in the mid-1980s. It is a premier example of the evolution of the Sikyatki Revival style.

Collector's Note: For more insight into Priscilla's life and philosophy, she is featured in a wonderful interview by Greg Schaaf in his definitive book, Hopi-Tewa Pottery: 500 Artist Biographies.

Condition: very good condition with small pop out by signature area on the bottom (see signature image above) but not normally visible with the eye.

Provenance: this Priscilla Nampeyo Large Seed Jar with Eagle Tail Design is from the collection of the client to whom we sold this in 2014.

Reference: Hopi-Tewa Pottery: 500 Artist Biographies by Gregory Schaaf.

TAGS: Hopi Pueblo, Nampeyo of Hano, Rachel Namingha Nampeyo, Annie Healing Nampeyo, Priscilla Namingha Nampeyo