Naha, Rainy – Large Solstice Jar with Moon Phases and Stars (2006) Ribbon

9.5"w x 5"h

$ 3,600.00

This is an exceptional large Solstice-designed jar by Rainy Naha.  She learned to make pottery from her mother, Helen “Featherwoman” Naha.  Rainy continues in a similar style using a white clay slip as the foundation for her work.  This jar is a classic Sikyatki style with a wide round shoulder and a short neck.  The jar is slipped with white clay, stone polished, and then painted with natural clay slips and bee-weed (black).  The design on the jar is one that Rainy created for her pottery.  The Solstice design depicts the phases of the moon.  There are four solstice panels with the four phases of the moon and note the star as well.   Below each of the moon phases are two bands of geometric Hopi designs.  The designs include an eternity band, snow rain, and colors representing the four directions.  Separating each of the solstice sections are four rows of tightly painted designs.  Note in the last row near the shoulder, the raincloud that extends downward with rain designs.  The complexity and tightness of the designs, along with all the various colors, is visually striking.  Overall, there are seven different colors used on this jar!  It is signed on the bottom with her name and feather hallmark.  There is a blue ribbon from the 2006 Heard Indian Market.  It’s always nice to see a ribbon come back with a piece in a year when I was a judge at the Heard Market.  This jar is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair.  It is simply stunning at this size!