Naha, Sylvia – Seedpot with Awatovi Star and Mimbres Medallions (1980s)

4.75"w x 4"h

$ 1,200.00

This is an unusual seed bowl by Sylvia Naha.  She was a daughter of Helen “Featherwoman” Naha and a sister of Rainy and Burell Naha.  She was known for her distinctive pieces painted with intricate designs on a white polished clay surface.  Throughout the 1980s, Sylvia was considered among the most innovative of the Hopi potters.  Her pieces were classic in form and amazingly intricate in design.  This bowl is round in shape and painted with bee-weed on a white polished surface.  The top and bottom have a classic Awatovi Star design.  This is an image revived by her mother, Helen Naha. Separating the star points are four medallions.  Each is painted with a different Mimbres image.  There is a turtle, scorpion, lizard, and fish.  Note the very intricate designs in the fish (for the scales!), in the body of the scorpion, and the lizard.  While it is black-and-white, the detail in the painting is exceptional.  The bowl is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair.  It is signed on the bottom with a feather and an “S”.  It is certainly an extraordinary piece by his exceptional Hopi-Tewa potter!