This is one of the more unusual pieces we have had by Dextra Quostkuyva Nampeyo.  She is certainly one of the most influential Hopi-Tewa potters of the last 50 years. Not only has she taught numerous potters (Steve Lucas, Yvonne Lucas, Les Namingha, Loren Ami, Hisi Nampeyo, to name just a few), but her creative designs and forms changed have dramatically influenced the pottery itself.  This jar is polished on the neck and the bottom area is textured.  The client who had this piece said that Dextra told them the bottom area was meant to represent a lava bed.  There is definitely a textural feel to the surface that reminds one of volcanic rock.  It is also that volcanic rock which is often used by Native potters as temper for the clay to give it structure. The neck is polished tan and the “lava bed” is slipped with a red clay.   The jar was traditionally fired and there are a few blushes on the surface.  It is signed on the bottom in bee-weed, “Dextra” along with a corn plant to represent the Corn Clan.  It is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair.  Dextra was the subject of a retrospective of her pottery at the Wheelwright Museum in Santa Fe, along with a companion book entitled, “Painted Perfection“.