Contemporary Traditional Sikyatki Design Jar by Dextra [SOLD]

Dextra Quotskuyva Nampeyo (1928- ) grew up in a household of potters who worked every day, making pottery to sell to tourists, dealers and museums. Her mother was Rachel Namingha and her grandmother was Annie Healing, oldest daughter of Nampeyo of Hano. Nampeyo was still alive when Dextra was born and Dextra got to know her great grandmother for a dozen years before Nampeyo passed away. As a young child, Dextra did what all young girls did—she helped gather and process clay. She later was allowed to fill in designs that were drawn on pottery. This was the learning process for young girls who would be a future generation of potters.

Dextra was encouraged by her mother, Rachel, to produce the traditional Sikyatki designs as other Nampeyo family members were doing. As a respectful daughter, Dextra did what her mother requested. After Rachel passed away, Dextra then began expanding her repertoire and developed her style of designs with which she would become known for the rest of her career.

Dextra said that she does not repeat designs, even if requested to do so. She said that each individual pottery vessel determines the design she will use. It is for this reason that Dextra became so highly in demand. Each of her pottery creations is unique and special.

This jar is one Dextra probably made when under the influence of her mother.  It features a traditional Sikyatki stylized bird design of the style Dextra obediently made when Rachel was alive.  The beak of the bird is the sweeping line off to the right.  The bird's feathers are to the left and down the center.  There are two birds on the jar, on opposite sides.

The jar is signed Dextra and marked with the corn clan symbol. It is not dated. It was most likely made before Rachel passed away in 1985.

Condition: very good condition

Provenance: from the collection of a gentleman from Utah

Recommended Reading:  Painted Perfection: The Pottery of Dextra Quotskuyva by Martha Struever

Dextra Quotskuyva Nampeyo image source and reference: Fourteen Families In Pueblo Pottery by Rick Dillingham