This jar by Les Namingha a creative blend of Hopi-Tewa design and his own stylistic imagery. The piece is entitled, “Carnival” and it includes both carved and applique sections.  The Hopi birds painted near the base are layered with oval designs.  These same ovals are then replicated in the carved ovals around the shoulder.  The layers of carving, dimension and design on the jar are exceptional!  It is dynamic blend of ideas, layers and forms.  This jar is part of his “Urban Polychrome” series, of which Les says:

“The concept of layering is inherent in our mortal journey. As time moves forward, our memories become layered. Some memories remain vibrant, others faint or hazy. Yet others, obscure or even hidden. Likewise, our experiences, words, works, emotions, prayers and songs build up in layers creating our existence. In turn, our societal interactions become exercises in layering. We see this in evidence with street art or graffiti writing where layers of thought and a desire to express a “proof of existence” create tapestries of color and marks. Blending, covering, harmonizing, dissonance, disappearing. This concept of layering is the idea behind Urban Polychrome and other works in the Urban Series.”  Les Namingha