Hopi Jar Inspired by Works of Nampeyo [SOLD]

Mark Tahbo has long been inspired by the works of Grace Chapella, his great-grandmother.  Grace was fond of using images of butterflies or moths on her pottery, to the point that it became her signature design.  Mark followed her style for many years.  Recently, however, he has become enchanted with the work of Nampeyo and has begun incorporating her style into his pottery designs, although not copying anything but using them for inspiration.

This jar that Mark just completed is one inspired by the Nampeyo Sikyatki-revived Eagle Tail design.  It is not like that design by Nampeyo but is Mark’s interpretation of her work and his recognition of her importance and the importance of the Hopi Sikyatki predecessors to today’s people.

Mark placed the eagle tail element in the center of the design and surrounded it in a red arch ending in eagle wing feathers.  The four repetitions of this design are tied together with a series of black arches connected at their ends.  The design chosen by Mark fits beautifully the shape of the vessel.

Condition: new

Provenance: from the artist

Recommended Reading:  Hopi Traditions in Pottery and Painting Honoring Grace Chapella, Potter, Masters Gallery, Alhambra, CA, February 25-April 3, 1977.