Hopi Tall Red Cylindrical Jar Attributed to Annie Nampeyo

This polychrome pottery cylinder was created by a potter of the Hopi Mesas. It likely was made by Annie Healing Nampeyo for the tourist trade during the early 20th century. Its form and size are appealing, and its design is notably unusual. Our attribution to Annie Nampeyo is based on her preference for black-on-red pottery, and her use of white pigment in the design. Yes, other potters have been identified as having used white slip in the design, but Annie Healing Nampeyo seems to be the one most often cited as a frequent use of white. Annie Healing (1884-1968) was Nampeyo of Hano's first child. She was given the unique name of Quinchawa. It is believed that the name Annie was given by Morman missionaries.

The vessel shape is spectacular. The bulge noticed just below the neckline was perhaps intended for the widest part of the design. A restriction at the neck expands to a wider opening of the vessel.

The design appears to be a bird with a face forward profile. The white outlined elements on the sides are likely wing feathers and the extended curved black below the wing is likely extended wing feathers. The two feathers at the bottom are tail feathers. This design is repeated on the opposite side.

Condition: very good condition for its age

Provenance: this Hopi Tall Red Cylindrical Jar Attributed to Annie Nampeyo is from the collection of a gallery client

Recommended Reading: Canvas of Clay by Edwin L. Wade and Allan Cooke

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