Namoki, Lawrence – “Song of Emergence” Large Five Color Seedpot (1990s)

4"w x 5.5"h

$ 550.00

Lawrence Namoki has been known for a variety of styles in his pottery.  This is a large seedpot from the early 1990s. The designs are carved into the clay and then slipped with various clay slips for coloration.  One side has a large sunface which is both incised into the clay and also slipped with five different colors of clay!  There are intricate sash designs on the sides of the Sun.  The opposite side has a Hemis Mana and a Longhair Katinas carved into the clay in relief.  Note the hands and feathers below the two figures.  The base of the seedpot is slipped so that it looks like wood.  This style was created by Lawrence Namoki as well as Thomas Polacca, and Wallace Youvella as in the 1970s Hopi men were prohibited from painting traditional designs on pottery. In response, they began to carve into the clay giving it the appearance of carved wood, much like the katsinas which men would carve.  The piece is signed on the bottom in the clay, “Lawrence Namoki”.  It is in very good condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair.