Nampeyo of Hano Sikyatki Revival Polychrome Bowl c.1905 [SOLD]

This is an early Sikyatki Revival Polychrome pictorial bowl that has been attributed by an expert to the hands of influential Hopi-Tewa potter Nampeyo of Hano. It is in very good condition except for a previous chip and small crack to the rim, both of which have been professionally repaired. This piece has been authenticated by noted Hopi authority Dr. Edwin Wade, and his letter of authentication is presented here:

Authentication Letter by Dr. Edwin L. Wade:

“A Sikyatki Revival Polychrome Bowl by Nampeyo, c.1905

Our understanding of the versatility and far-ranging artistic experimentation of Nampeyo expands with the discovery of new vessels by this master potter. In the strikingly original design on this bowl her compositional genius is fully evident.

The one-third, two-third partition of the interior of the bowl into two design fields is an early adaptation by Nampeyo, and her eldest daughter Annie, of the compositional layout preferred by ancient Sikyatki potters. In this venerable tradition, the smaller field was typically painted red or splattered with a minimum of additional design. The primary composition, as with this bowl, was attached to this unit, expanding into the larger negative area. The most immediate assumption is that this feathered design is pendant, yet that may be misleading.

To our Western eyes it is easy to see a mask or feathered face peering out at us with insect-like eyes, but it is unlikely this was Nampeyo's intent. That interpretation is based on an arbitrary decision to place the red field at the top of the vessel. If, however, one rotates the bowl by 80 degrees either to the left or right an entirely different composition emerges.

Now we have an eagle-tail feathered unit reminiscent of ceremonial sashes or kilts bordered on either side by D-shaped forms, each bearing at one end a pair of pointed, curved shapes that resemble ears. Several Nampeyo tiles in the collection of the California Academy of Science are decorated with this design, but with far more detail. On occasion certain writers have referred to them as ‘mice’ but those with greater painted elaboration exhibit traits both reptilian and avian as found in the depictions of the mythic ‘Thunderer.’

It is an interesting reminder that what you think you see is not always what you get. Projecting our own perceptions into a ‘reading’ of non-western art can lead us astray, particularly when we don't even know how to orient the viewing of an object.

The vessel is expertly potted with a fine stone polished surface. The luminous ivory tone of the bowl is achieved through Nampeyo's employment of coal firing, which perfectly balances the muted reds and blacks of the painted designs. The red here has a pumpkin orange cast to it more reminiscent of the ancient paints on Kokopyama and other northern Antelope Mesa pueblos, than that common [to] the Sikyatki ceramics. Also characteristic of her hand is the interplay of distinctive motifs as with the rectangular form terminating with split eagle tail feathers and internally subdivided by smaller rectangles both diagonally and vertically partitioned.”

-Dr. Edwin L. Wade

Condition: a short vertical crack and a rim chip have been professionally restored

Provenance: this Nampeyo of Hano Sikyatki Revival Polychrome Bowl c.1905 is from the private collection of clients to whom we sold this in 2009.

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