Nampeyo, Elva Tewaguna – Bowl with Moth Design (1970s)

6"w x 3.25"h

$ 500.00

Elva Tewaguna Namepyo was a daughter of Fannie Nampeyo, a granddaughter of the Nampeyo of Hano, and a sister of Iris and Tonita Nampeyo and Thomas Polacca.  Her pottery was coil built, stone polished and painted with bee-weed and natural clay slips. This wide shape bowl is one of her classic shapes.  The design has a series of four moths encircling the piece.  To the side of each moth are representations of the three Hopi mesas.  Below are rain and cloud patterns. The piece was traditionally fired to create the blushes on the surface.  It is signed on the bottom before fired, “Elva Nampeyo”.  It is in very good condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair.  Her daughter Adelle Nampeyo continues in the same family tradition.