Hopi-Tewa Black on White Seed Jar by Feather Woman [SOLD]

Hopi Pueblo artist Sylvia Naha created this black-on-white pottery vessel. This wonderful wide and low seed jar was slipped in traditional white slip, over which was painted the decoration in deep dark brown. The design on the top of the jar is mirrored on the underside of the jar, the two design panels being separated by a series of interlocking keys that surround the mid-section. This is the style and design for which the Feather Woman family is best known.

Sylvia Naha (1951-1999) Feather Woman was a daughter of Helen Naha who was known as Feather Woman. Sylvia’s pottery is indistinguishable from that of her mother’s.  Both potters were exceptional artists.  The spirals on this jar were beautifully executed and the crossed lines in the star could not be more perfect.  Sylvia stone- polished the interior of the jar, an extra effort of this accomplished artist.

Both Helen and Sylvia are deceased. Helen Naha (Feather Woman) and Joy Navasie (Frog Woman) were sisters-in-law. Helen Naha married Joy Navasie’s brother, Archie Naha. Helen was known for her stark black-on-white Hopi pottery early in her career and Sylvia continued in the same style. Helen Naha’s hallmark was a feather; Sylvia used that hallmark with her initial S added for clarity.

Condition: very good condition

Provenance: this Hopi-Tewa Black on White Seed Jar by Feather Woman is from a client from Virginia to whom we sold this in 2010

Recommended Reading: Hopi-Tewa Pottery: 500 Artist Biographies by Gregory Schaaf.

Relative Links: Helen Naha, Hopi Pueblo, Paqua Naha, Contemporary Pottery, Paqua Naha, Sylvia Naha, Feather Woman, Hopi Pueblo Potter