Annie Healing Nampeyo Redware Pottery Jar with Unique Shape [SOLD]

This pottery jar can be attributed to Hopi-Tewa potter Annie Healing Nampeyo. The age of the piece, the redware style, and the quality and character of the design are the attributes that suggest Annie's hand. It is unsigned, but that is typical of her earlier works. Later pieces would be signed "Annie Nampeyo."

This Hopi Pueblo pottery jar is strong in form and design. With its strong shoulder and upturned rim, it is reminiscent in ways of larger functional Zuni Pueblo jars, though the rim extends vertically while that of a Zuni jar would end after the curve upward. It is a unique and incredibly appealing form. The clay walls feel just a bit thicker than one might expect, which makes the piece feel strong and substantial despite its modest size.

A black line circles the rim, and a trio of lines in black and white circles the shoulder. A thin black line lands at the bottom of this group, and a repeating pattern of traditional Hopi designs hangs down over the jar's exterior. These designs sit beautifully atop the rich red slip, which is polished to a reflective state.

Annie Healing (1884-1968) was the first child of Nampeyo of Hano. She was born in 1884 and was named Quinchawa. During this time Hopi trader Thomas Keam encouraged the Hopi to send their children to school. As Quinchawa came of school age before the day school at Polacca opened, she was sent to the boarding school in Keam's Canyon. Little Quinchawa returned after her first year at boarding school with the new name Annie. Annie didn't let her school experience change her belief in the traditional Hopi way. She continued to help her mother with pottery making during school breaks and when she finished her schooling returned to Hopi and worked with her mother full time making pottery. Annie was married around the age of 16 to Willie Healing. His Hopi name was Ipwantiwa, but his name was changed at school to Willie. His last name was the English corruption of his mother's name Heli.

According to Nampeyo biographer Barbara Kramer, Annie was Nampeyo's silent but visible partner in pottery making. However careful study has been able to differentiate several design styles between Annie and her mother. She preferred to paint black and white on red. Also her work was more delicate than her mother's. The first piece directly attributed to Annie was in 1912 by artist and anthropologist William Leigh. Annie continued to make pottery until the 1930s when arthritis forced her to quit.

Condition: excellent condition, a few light abrasions which are common on works of this age

Provenance: this Annie Healing Nampeyo Redware Pottery Jar with Unique Shape is from a private Colorado collection

Reference: Nampeyo and her Pottery, Barbara Kramer

TAGS: Nampeyo of Hano, Hopi Pueblo, pottery making, Rachel, Daisy, Barbara Kramer, Thomas Keam, Annie Healing Nampeyo - Quinchawa, Hopi-Tewa Potter