Hopi-Tewa Small Polychrome Pottery Jar with Bear Claw Design by Dextra Quotskuyva Nampeyo [SOLD]

Dextra Quotskuyva Nampeyo said that she does not repeat designs, even if requested to do so. She said that each individual pottery vessel determines the design she will use. It is for this reason that Dextra became so highly in demand. Each of her pottery creations is unique and special.  This jar has traditional Sikyatki design elements used by the Nampeyo family, but Dextra introduced modifications to it to make it unique.

Dextra was encouraged by her mother, Rachel, to produce the traditional Sikyatki designs as other Nampeyo family members were doing. As a respectful daughter, Dextra did what her mother requested. After Rachel passed away, Dextra then began expanding her repertoire and developed her style of designs with which she would become known for the rest of her career.

The bear claw design repeated four times on this jar is a traditional Sikyatki design as is the red square painted just below the neck, but both were individualized by Dextra to make them her own concept.

The jar is signed Dextra and marked with her Corn Clan symbol. It is not dated.

Condition: this Hopi-Tewa Small Polychrome Pottery Jar with Bear Claw Design by Dextra Quotskuyva Nampeyo is in original condition

Provenance: from a collection of a family from Washington State

Recommended Reading: Painted Perfection - The Pottery of Dextra Quotskuyva by Martha H. Struever

Relative Links: Southwest Indian Pottery, Contemporary Pottery, Hopi Pueblo, Dextra Nampeyo, Rachel Namingha