Nona Naha
Butterfly
2 1/2"
H x 4" D
Nona is a Tewa-Hopi of the
Corn Clan who has been active potting since 1988. She is the
daughter of Sylvan and Edith Nash, and wife of Terry Naha. She
learned the pottery making art from Feather Woman - Helen Naha,
and her daughters - Sylvia and Rainy Naha.
"Nona Naha produces some
of the thinnest pottery at Hopi. She said, 'I love the feeling
of relief and satisfaction when the pot is completed. The process
for me is long, since I take time to do my best. I also appreciate
the reaction of the buyers who acknowledge art and the work behind
it.'"
- Hopi-Tewa Pottery: 500 Artist Biographies
(79)
Nona has taken many awards
at shows throughout the Southwest, including 2nd and 3rd place
overall at the Hopi Show in Flagstaff, Arizona at the Museum
of Northern Arizona.
This piece is no exception
from Nona's trademark "eggshell" pottery. The walls
are so thin and the pieces are so light they almost float in
the palm of your hand.
They are extremely delicate
and are so because of Nona's meticulous attention to the polishing
process. Many hours are spent slowly taking layers off of the
pottery wall which eventually produces the porcelain-like quality
that Nona's pieces seem to exhibit.