Adobe Gallery Blog

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 for exquisite polychrome pots in later times. Her hallmark is a feather.

This wonderful wide and low jar is slipped in traditional white slip, over which is painted the decoration in deep dark brown. The design is often referred to as a "bear claw." The round opening at the top of the jar has been outlined in a square orange slip which was then outlined in a pair of black lines. The designs on the four sides of the jar are pendant from the outer black rim line.

Condition: The jar is structurally in excellent condition. There is some slip loss near the feather hallmark on the underside but nothing truly significant.
Provenance: from the collection of an elderly Santa Fean
Recommended Reading: Hopi-Tewa Pottery: 500 Artist Biographies by Gregory and Angie Schaaf

Subject: Hopi Pueblo Flat Top Polychrome Seed Jar by Helen Naha
Artist / Potter: Helen Naha [1922-1993] Feather Woman
Category: Contemporary
Origin: Hopi Pueblo
Medium: clay, pigment
Size: 2-7/8" tall x 5-3/4" diameter
Item # C3391