Sahmie Nampeyo, Rachel – 11″ Tall Canister with Butterfly Maidens

5.25"w x 11.5"h

$ 1,700.00

This is an exceptionally tall canister by Rachel Sahmie.  She was the daughter of noted potter Priscilla Nampeyo and a descendant of Nampeyo of Hano.  She was a sister of noted potters Jean Sahmie and Bonnie Sahmie.  This is a classic Hopi-Tewa shape with straight sides.  The jar is coil built and painted with bee-weed (black) and painted red areas.  There is a large butterfly maiden Katsina on each side.  They are each intricately painted with beeweed, and the red areas accentuate the designs.  The jar was traditionally fired, which creates blushes on the surface.  The piece is signed on the bottom with her name “Nampeyo” and “Koo Loo,” which means “corn”.  It is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair.