Vessel c. 20th century

This vessel was created by Elva Nampeyo, a Hopi-Tewa potter, sometime during her lifetime between 1926 and 1985. The vessel's creation emerges from a long line of female Hopi potters, and represents a legacy of artistic expression deeply entwined with cultural identity and survival. Elva Nampeyo was the granddaughter of the famed potter Nampeyo, who is credited with revitalizing ancient Hopi pottery traditions. This vessel is a testament to the endurance and adaptation of indigenous art forms in the face of cultural assimilation. Nampeyo's designs, with their geometric patterns, are not merely decorative but encapsulate the history, stories, and world view of the Hopi people. Elva continued this tradition, she lived through immense change and challenges to Native American sovereignty. Her artwork becomes an act of resistance and cultural preservation. This vessel reminds us of the power of art to carry forward the identity of a people, even as it embodies individual expression and creativity.