Traditional Hopi Open and Decorated Bowl by Nampeyo [SOLD]

This is an early Sikyatki-revival bowl that is unquestionably the work of Nampeyo of Hano.  The shape of the bowl is typical of Nampeyo’s construction in that the inner edge of the rim has an extra thickness of clay, applied probably for strength.  The outer edge of the rim has the characteristic inward roll.

The design is practically lost from view because of extensive use of the bowl, but it too is characteristically Nampeyo in style. The band that runs across the bowl occupying 1/3^rd of the design area and the stylized bird pendant to that band are both well documented design styles of Nampeyo, inspired by Sikyatki pottery.  It is among the earliest designs of Nampeyo that were influenced by the 14^th to 16^th centuries ceramics of the Sikyatki.

Although this design structure is associated with Nampeyo, her voracious artistic endeavors led to many designs that became her signature.  She was an artist of the ultimate degree and had a voracious appetite to learn, experiment, and innovate.  Our artistic world is greatly enhanced by the wonderful legacy of Nampeyo and her beautiful ceramics.  She gave us her absolute best.

Condition:  very good structural condition with weakness of design

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

Provenance: from a client who inherited this from her dad and who is now moving to a new home in Florida and chose not to take a chance on moving the pottery too.