Quotskuyva, Dextra – “Birds” Jar (1994)

8.25\"w x 4.75\"h

This is a classic jar by Dextra Quotskuyva.  She is certainly one of the great innovators among Hopi-Tewa potters.  Her work began with more classic imagery and then has evolved over the years to more unique and stylized designs. This jar is from 1994 and has been published in the book, “Painted Perfection”.  The design is painted onto the surface with a yucca brush and bee-weed for the black.  The design is a series of birds which encircle the shoulder of the jar.  Their tails and wings are fully polished red.  The beaks extend up to the fully polished red rim.  The jar itself has been traditionally fired with blushes in the color of the clay.  The size, precision of the painting and the red polished surfaces all make this a distinctive piece by Dextra.  They create the strong visual cues that this is her work even before it is turned over to see her signature ! The jar is signed on the bottom in the clay, “Dextra” and an ear of corn, as she is Corn Clan.  It is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair.  Dextra has been the subject of a retrospective of her pottery at the Museum of Indian Art and Culture called, “Painted Perfection“.