Tyra Naha
Awatovi Star
3 1/2"
H x 5" D
This beautiful Hopi pottery was
made by Tyra Naha. Tyra is the daughter of well-known Hopi artist,
Rainy Naha. She has certainly learned a lot from her mother,
and carries on the tradition and influence of her grandmother,
Helen Naha - also known as "Feather Woman," whom this
piece honors in "rememberance."
Tyra is an accomplished potter
in her own right and continues to produce the same quality work
that is the hallmark of the Naha name. Tyra has shown at several
major venues throughout the Southwest. She has been featured
at shows in Santa Fe, NM., the Heard Museum, and others.
Tyra has already appeared
in a few publications dealing primarily with Native American
art, and Hopi pottery in particularly. Of most notable mention
is The Art of the Hopi by Jerry and Lois Essary Jacka
(pp. 42).
Like her mother, Tyra pays
special attention to every detail - polishing her pottery both
inside and out. Her pieces are delicate and graceful - full of
balance. Some have said that they have a porcelain-like quality.
Such could be said about this piece.
Although her pieces are fashioned
entirely in the traditional manner, Tyra's work remains incredibly
fine, and unlike many hand-coiled potteries, Tyra's are amazingly
light.
Perhaps the most noteworthy
aspect of this pottery is the fullness of design. Tyra has meticulously
continued her designs all the way along the underside to the
pedestal of the piece.
She has signed with a combination
of the Naha family feather and the spider which represents her
clan.
