Namingha, Les – Jar with Moths, Katsina Faces, and Pointilism (1990s)

5"w x 5"h

$ 1,200.00

This is a traditional jar Hopi-Tewa open bowl by Les Namingha from the 1990s.  The jar is stone polished and painted with bee-weed and clay slips.  The design is one that was often used by his aunt, Dextra Quotskuyva. She said of this design in Crafted to Perfection:

“Faces: Elements of this design resemble faces.  However, the motifs at left and right, each composed of two red forms flanking a patterned light triangle, are derived from Sikyatki polychrome motifs of winged insects, probably moths.’ Painted Perfection

It is easy to see the moth and face designs.  However, look a bit lower and the bottom of the designs are the classic “pointillism” used by Les at this time.  The dots are all white clay painted on red or mottle backgrounds.  I like how the jar has an ‘old style” design appearance, but it is easy to visually see it as a piece by Les. It was traditionally fired to create blushes on the surface.  While all his work today is painted using acrylic, his traditional pieces remain classics of his pottery art.  The jar is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair.   It is signed, “Les Namingha”.  Les is a descendant of Nampeyo and learned to make pottery from his aunt Dextra Quotskuyva.