Namingha, Les – “Cadmus and the Dragon” Jar (2015)

8"w x 4.5"h

$ 1,450.00

This is an exceptional jar by Les Namingha.  It is entitled, “Cadmus and the Dragon”.  The shape with the very wide shoulder is Hopi and yet the foot and colors are derived from classical black and red Greek pottery.  The design on the jar is inspired by the Greek story of Cadmus, the founder of Thebes.  The jar focuses on his battle with the serpent (dragon) at the Spring of Ares.  Here Les has reinterpreted Cadmus in the style of a Pueblo warrior.  The headdress of the warrior has the slightest hint of a katsina style mask.   The “dragon” becomes the “Kolowisi” the water serpent and the Greek myth becomes part of Pueblo legend.  The designs around the shoulder are among those which reflect the idea of the world myths as they appear in ancient Greek, Pueblo and Hopi pottery.  Les brings such depth of thought to his designs they are often like a mystery to be solved to see where he has derived his latest inspiration!  The jar is signed on the bottom in the clay, “Les Namingha”.  It is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair.