Hopi Small Polacca Polychrome Dish by Nampeyo [SOLD]

This exquisite small dish, with a strong and vivid design, is attributed to Nampeyo of Hano based on several considerations—construction techniques, selection of clay, layout of design, and execution of design.  The material is known at Polacca slip and was in use by Nampeyo early in her career, such as 1880-1900.  Polacca slip crazes over time to form cracks as in a dry river bed. The design with the top deep red section is quite typical of her designs.  It serves as the anchor for the design appended below it.  She used this technique in open bowls. 

The deep dark brown elements on the outer edges most likely represent rain and the deep red element in the lower center could be a water bug.  Of course, our interpretation of her design is just that, our interpretation, and not necessarily that of the artist.

The bottom is rounded and the slip is crazed, as is typical of the period.  The rim is red. The black framing lines are discontinued at the top with a ceremonial line break. A hole was drilled at that point to facilitate hanging the dish.

Because of the early date of this dish, it is quite certain that Nampeyo both made the dish and painted the design.  Her eyesight was still quite good at that time.

Condition: very good condition

Provenance: this Hopi Small Polacca Polychrome Dish by Nampeyo is from the extensive collection of a gentleman from Texas

Recommended Reading: Canvas of Clay: Seven Centuries of Hopi Ceramic Art Edwin L. Wade and Allan Cooke