Loren H. Nampeyo
Kokopelli
Party
5 1/4"
H x 4 1/2" D
Loren Hamilton Nampeyo learned
the delicate art of pottery making from being around his maternal
grandmother, Fannie Nampeyo. He also learned a great deal from
his well-known mother, Tonita Hamilton Nampeyo.
He spent a year learning from
his Uncle, Tom Polacca. He still makes pottery full time, interpreting
old designs his way. He uses a method he learned from Tom, called
Sgraffito, which is the cutting away of different parts of surface
layer of clay to expose colored layers.
Loren's work remains some
of the finest in Hopi carved pottery. His meticulous attention
to detail can be seen in every line.
This piece features a trio
of colorful kokopelli figures who are dancing away to the delight
of music in the air. The kokopelli is a merry figure who brings
fertility and abundance wherever he goes. Loren has improvised
by showing one kokopelli playing a horn instead of the traditional
flute that he is often seen with.
Loren's work is also recognizable
because of the high-polished finish he achieves in completing
his pieces. In this way, his work resembles that of his well-known
aunt, Iris Youvella Nampeyo.
We're pleased to present this
unique piece of pottery by Loren. He is featured in many publications
on Hopi-Tewa pottery, and is an important part of the Nampeyo
family tree.
