Namingha, Les – “Shulawitsi: Zuni Fire Katsina” Jar

8.25"w x 6.25"h

$ 2,800.00

This is a fascinating jar by Les Namingha.  The designs on the jar are inspired by Shulawitsi or the Zuni Fire Katsina. The Fire Katsina (see example in the last photo) is usually portrayed by a young boy who carries a fire stick, signifying his responsibility as caretaker of one of the important physical elements of the universe: fire. This jar has circular elements around the top half, which are lightly carved into the clay. The background is black while the circles are all different colors. The bottom of the jar is the opposite, with a white coloration and painted circles.  The colored circles are representative of the fire and the design painted on the katsina mask.  The shape of the jar has a wide shoulder and a light neck.  The jar has a very modern style with very ancient designs.  Les is a descendant of Nampeyo and learned to make pottery from his aunt Dextra Quotskuyva.  It is signed on the bottom.