Hopi Pueblo Migration Pattern Pottery Jar by Tonita Hamilton Nampeyo [SOLD]

This large pottery jar was made by Hopi-Tewa artist Tonita Hamilton Nampeyo.  It has a low, wide shape, with a finely crafted flared rim.  The flared rim curves inward, forming a tight half-circle before turning sharply, forming a thin lip that is perfectly consistent in depth.  The pottery jar’s polished slip intentionally extends about an inch and a half into its interior. 

A black line circles the bottom of the flared rim, framing a wide design band that covers most of the jar.  Within this band, Tonita Hamilton Nampeyo painted a strong *migration pattern in black.  Red curved triangles fill in the areas between the framing lines and the black designs.  The lower framing line sits about an inch and a half above the jar’s bottom, allowing another look at the slip.  The slip’s tan tone is rich and varied, with soft orange and brown clouds appearing in certain areas.  Up close, one can admire Nampeyo’s fine design work.  From afar, it’s the jar’s appealing shape and deep, rich colors that catch the eye.

The bottom of the jar is signed “Tonita Nampeyo” and marked with her pueblo clan’s corn symbol.

Tonita Hamilton Nampeyo (1934-2020) ws the daughter of Fannie Polacca Nampeyo and granddaughter of Nampeyo of Hano. She continued making pottery in the traditional manner, using Sikyatki revival patterns, as taught her by her mother and grandmother.  She was awarded “Best Traditional Hopi Pottery” at the 1984 Santa Fe Indian Market and has won many awards at the annual Heard Museum Guild Indian Fair and Market. She is represented in the collection of the Museum of Northern Arizona.

What is a *Migration Pattern?  This pattern represents the migration of the Hopi through four worlds. The parallel lines presumably represent the migration of the Hopi.

Condition: excellent condition

Provenance: this Hopi Pueblo Migration Pattern Pottery Jar by Tonita Hamilton Nampeyo is from private collection

Recommended Reading: Fourteen Families in Pueblo Pottery by Rick Dillingham

Relative Links: Nampeyo of Hano, Hopi Pueblo, Fannie Polacca Nampeyo, pottery, Martha Struever, Elva Tewaguna Nampeyo, Leah Garcia Nampeyo, Tom Polacca, Iris Youvella Nampeyo, Tonita Hamilton Nampeyo, Hopi-Tewa Potter