Hopi Pottery
The Hopi people have lived for centuries on three mesas in northern Arizona. Hopi pottery today is a legacy of the old abandoned Hopi pueblo of Sikyatki. Hopi clay is fired to shades of cream to apricot or light red, depending upon iron content. The most famous Hopi potter is probably Nampeyo, who revived many of the Sikyatki designs in the 1880's. Her descendants, along with the Navasie and Naha families (who specialize in whiteware) are among the finest contemporary pueblo potters. |  | |
Iris Youvella Nampeyo-Iris is Hopi/Tewa and of the Corn Clan, from the Hopi Pueblo, she has been actively making pottery since 1960. Featured is a classic Nampeyo hand polished and traditionally fired Buffware Jar. The flowing lines, the buff color and the applique`ed corn stalk are all her signature techniques.
Hopi pottery comes from the 1st Mesa at the Hopi Pueblo. Most designs are influenced by the work of the matriarch Nampeyo who's influence is still seen on the pottery of modern day potters. The designs are about the rain, corn, kiva, and birds. The natural colors and sophisticated designs of the Hopi, make it one of the favorites with collectors.
This great Hopi pot by Melda Nampeyo has a great wave design in a simple repeating pattern and measures 8-1/2" wide by 5-1/2" high.
This piece of carved Hopi pottery is hand coiled and formed by Lawrence Namoki. It is 4.5" high and 4.5" in diameter. Namoki's meticulous attention to detail can be seen in every line. This pot's designs are raised with the background cut away in the Sgraffito style, which is the cutting away of different layers of clay to expose colored layers. Among the many designs laid out and inscribed on this pot are images of a creation story including a waterbug, a Monsterslayer with a monster, and a horny toad.
This piece of carved Hopi pottery is hand coiled and formed by Lawrence Namoki. His meticulous attention to detail can be seen in every line. This pot's designs are raised with the background cut away in the Sgraffito style, which is the cutting away of different layers of clay to expose colored layers. This style makes for a very dramatic design, especially with the very finely detailed designs painted on this particular piece of artwork. This pot measures 4.5" in diameter and 6.5" tall. Among the many designs laid out and inscribed in intricate relief on this pot are images of a Crow Mother Kachina or Katsina, an owl, and Hands with gifts among others.
This piece of carved Hopi pottery is hand coiled and formed by Lawrence Namoki. His meticulous attention to detail can be seen in every line. This pot's designs are raised with the background cut away in the Sgraffito style, which is the cutting away of different layers of clay to expose colored layers.
This style makes for a very dramatic design, especially with the very finely detailed designs painted on this particular piece of artwork.
This pot measures 5.75" in diameter and 7.5" tall. Among the many designs laid out and inscribed in intricate relief on this pot are images of an ogre, a Kokopelli or native flute player, a Yei, pairs of hands, and a sunface among others.
The image on this pot is of the Long Hair Katsina, hence the name. Lawrence Namoki has won many awards and ribbons for his pottery, including a 1st at the Santa Fe Indian Market.
