Leah Garcia Nampeyo was a daughter of noted potter Fannie Nampeyo.  This jar is a classic shape with a round shoulder and a slightly turned-out rim. The jar is fully polished and then painted with bee-weed and red clay.  The jar has the classic migration pattern that is painted around the body of the piece.  This is a design that was made famous by Leah’s grandmother, Nampeyo of Hano.  The imagery of the migration pattern has a series of bird wings and thin lines. There are eight wings above the shoulder and eight below, for a total of 16.  The jar was traditionally fired, so blushes and fireclouds around the surface add to the jar’s overall appearance.  It is signed on the bottom, “Leah Nampeyo”.   It is in very good condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair.  Surprisingly, I didn’t realize how few pieces of her work we have had over the years.  I looked back, and since 2000, we have had less than ten pieces come through the gallery!

Brand

Nampeyo, Leah Garcia (1928-1974)

Leah Garcia Nampeyo was a granddaughter of Nampeyo of Hano, a daughter of Fannie Nampeyo and a sister of Elva Nampeyo, Tonita Nampeyo, Thomas Polacca and Iris Youvella. Her children, James, Melda and Rayvin Nampeyo are all also well known potters.