Les Namingha has, over the years, created exciting variations in his pottery with new painting and technical styles. This plate is from 2000.  It is entitled, “From Awatovi, Bird Design”.  The design is inspired by the open bowls of Nampeyo of Hano with the horizon line and the swirling birds (See last photo).  The “Awatovi” part of the design is the lower section of the bowl. The black-and-white designs are typical of Awatovi pottery and here Les has painted his stylized version of the migration pattern.  There are two birds swirling up from the horizon line.  The one on the left is a hummingbird and the right is a classic Sikyatki-style bird.  They are both painted with tight dots in his pointillist style. The background “sky” is a variety of geometric shapes and colors.  As usual for Les, that isn’t enough as the surface has texture, adding to the feel and dimension of the plate.  The piece is signed on the back, “Les Namingha”.  It is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair.