Hamilton, Eugene – Jar with Sunf Katsinas and Sikyatki Birds (1980s)

This is one of the few pieces we have had by Eugene Hamilton (1934-2006).  He was married to Tonita Namepyo, a daughter of Fannie Nampeyo.  This jar is coil-built, carved, and painted with clay slips. The jar has an oval opening on the top.  It is carved with two Sun Katsina designs on either side. There is also a Sikyatki bird.  All the designs are then painted with bee-weed and clay slips to create the coloration.  The bottom is painted so that it looks like wood.  It is created very much in the style of Thomas Polacca or Wallace Youvella (his brothers-in-law).  It is in very good condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair.  It is signed on the bottom, “E. Hamilton Deerfoot”.

Brand

Nampeyo, Tonita Hamilton (1934-2020)

[caption id="attachment_68329" align="aligncenter" width="1020"] Tonita Nampeyo[/caption] Tonita Nampeyo was a granddaughter of Nampeyo of Hano, a daughter of Fannie Nampeyo and a sister of Elva Nampeyo, Leah Nampeyo, Thomas Polacca, and Iris Youvella. Her son is noted potter Loren Hamilton. Tonita has won numerous awards for her pottery at events such as Santa Fe Indian Market and the Heard Market.