James Garcia
Nampeyo
Eagle Tails
3 3/4"
H x 6 1/2" D
James Garcia Nampeyo is a
young master potter from First Mesa. He is descended from a long
line of Hopi legends. He is the nephew of the late Tom Polacca,
and great-grandson of the famed Nampeyo. He is also husband to
the talented Hopi potter, Fawn Navasie.
James' work is becoming increasingly
fine, and as a result, highly collectible. His pottery has always
exhibited qualities superior in Hopi pottery, but today his designs
are even more unique and distinct.
This particular piece is reminiscient
of the classic "eagle tail" designs of Sikyatki and
others. The balance and form of this pottery is well set by the
symeterical placement of Hopi symbols adjacent to one another
on opposing sides of the eagle tails.
The deep reds appearing in
the feather motifs across the surface of this pot are indicative
of the Hopi reverence for the Red Tailed Hawk. Sleek and majestic,
like the Eagle, the Red Tailed Hawk can be found gracefully swooping
through the summer sky.
The Hopi culture is steeped
in symbolism relating to fertility. From the seeds of the earth,
to the seeds of humankind, a prayer is given for the fruitful
reproduction of and preservation of the species.
James credits his grandmother,
Fannie Nampeyo, with encouraging him to begin making pottery
at an early age. He remains loyal to the traditional designs
revitalized by his great-grandmother. Occassionaly, he and his
wife, Fawn, will collaborate on larger pieces.
James has shown at several
major venues throughout the Southwest, such as Heard Museum,
Museum of Northern Arizona, and Santa Fe Indian Market.
He appears in various publications
dealing with fine Hopi art, including Hopi Tewa Pottery: 500
Artist Biographies by Gregory Schaaf, p. 108; and Fourteen
Families in Pueblo Pottery by Rick Dillingham, p. 23.
