Naha, Paqua (Frog Woman) – White Canister with Rain Designs (1951-5)

4"w x 4"h

$ 500.00

Paqua Naha was the mother of noted potter Joy “Frogwoman” Navasie and the mother-in-law of Helen “Featherwoman” Naha. She is known for her traditional designs and use of the various colors of clay at Hopi. She developed the white-ware around 1951-2. She was the first to sign her pottery with her Frog Hallmark, as “Paqua” means Frog in Hopi.  This is a classic cylindrical jar with straight sides. The outside is slipped with white clay.  It is painted with plant and rain designs.  The imagery is repeated in four panels and note the use of the fine-lines as part of the design!  The rim of the jar is painted black with bee-weed, which creates a strong contrast in coloration.  As the jar is slipped with the white clay, it indicates a date from 1951-5.  It is this same white for which Joy Navasie and Helen Naha became famous in their pottery.  The jar is traditionally fired and signed with her hallmark frog. It is in very good condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair.