This jar by Les Namingha uses traditional Hopi clay, is painted with bee-weed and natural clay slips, and it was traditionally fired. The jar was originally purchased in 1996.  The jar is a fascinating point in Les’s career, as it is not just native clay, but native clay slips which he has used.  The fascinating part is how he has attempted to overlay and layer the clays to create new colors, “hidden” designs, and different textures. There are areas that are both painted and etched!  The red clay painted areas reveal his focus on layering the clay with linear designs, pointillism, and more “painterly” areas.  The painting is flowing across the surface of the jar. The incised areas add an interesting texture to the surface.  The traditional firing has created blushes on the surface of the clay.  Today, Les utilizes acrylic as opposed to the traditional clay slips.  It is signed, “Les Namingha” and it is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair.  Definitely an important part of Les Namingha’s history in clay.