Eagle Tail Pottery Bowl by Hopi Matriarch Nampeyo of Hano

This exquisite Eagle Tail design bowl by Nampeyo of Hano exemplifies her mastery as one of the most influential potters of Hopi Pueblo. The bowl's distinctive dark patina on the inside and light patina on the underside is a standout feature of this piece.

Nampeyo of Hano (1857-1942), renowned for her role in reviving and refining ancient Hopi pottery techniques, began her journey as a potter in her teenage years, drawing inspiration from her grandmother's teachings. She believed that the design and form of ancient Hopi pottery were superior to contemporary works, which led her to study and replicate prehistoric and protohistoric motifs found in ancient ruins.

Despite rarely signing her work, Nampeyo's pottery is easily identifiable and highly sought by collectors. Her influence extends through her children, including Fannie Polacca Nampeyo and Annie Healing Nampeyo, who continued her legacy. Her work, featured in museums and collections worldwide, remains a testament to her artistry and the enduring significance of Native American pottery.

Condition: very good condition

Provenance: this Eagle Tail Pottery Bowl by Hopi Matriarch Nampeyo of Hano is from a private collection

Recommended Reading:

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

- Fourteen Families In Pueblo Pottery by Rick Dillingham.

- 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