Hopi Pottery
The Hopi tribe is revered as a peaceful people with the utmost respect for the planet as well as the balance between man and all living things. For generations, this tribe has produced stunning examples of Hopi pottery.
Located in Northern Arizona atop three large mesas are the Hopi pueblos. On First Mesa there is a long tradition of pottery making that was ultimately shaped by the master potter Nampeyo at the turn of the 20th century. Nampeyo is credited with the revival of a prehistoric Hopi pottery type named Sikyatki after an archaeological site near First Mesa.
In addition to the distinct designs that Nampeyo revived, Hopi pottery is also known for its wonderful blushes. The blushes are created by a combination of the natural iron rich clay and the pit firing technique. It is the tonal yellow to dark orange surface of Hopi pottery that distinguishes it from the other Pueblos.
Like many other tribes and clans, Hopi pottery employs the use of symbols. Some symbols have retained their meaning for hundreds or thousands of years while others have been lost to time. Common imagery you'll see on our Hopi pottery for sale includes stunning landscapes, rain, lightning, thunder and rainwater.
Hopi Indian pottery uses symbols to represent aspects of everyday life as well as culturally and spiritually significant symbols. While some Hopi pottery designs portray specific symbols or ideas, others are the result of the artist's personal vision and taste.
Today's Hopi pottery makers skillfully find a balance between history, spirituality and their own artistic creativity.
