Darlene Nampeyo - Hopi Maiden Figure Pot - Intricate Corn Butterfly 7 1/8" Tall For Sale

This rare corn maiden pottery figure has been beautifully crafted by Hopi potter Darlene Nampeyo (1956-). This figure stands 10" tall and is etch signed by Darlene on the bottom and dated 2022. This intricately painted figure is in the shape of an ear of corn and wearing a tabletta that incorporates water, clouds, a rainbow and more. The body of the figure has a beautifully painted butterfly. The long hair on the back of the figure represents the blessing of rain.
To the Hopi, the butterfly symbolizes fertility, spring, and the renewal of life. The Butterfly Maiden (Poli Mana) is a significant Kachina spirit, and the butterfly also represents transformation, beauty, and a connection to the spiritual world.

Darlene is a great-great granddaughter of noted potter Nampeyo of Hano as a descendant through her eldest daughter Annie and Annie’s eldest daughter Rachel. Her mother is Ruth James, a sister of Dextra Quotskuyva, Eleanor Lucas and Priscilla Namingha. Darlene learned to make pottery from her aunts, Dextra and Priscilla. The designs are all painted with bee-weed (black) and then traditionally fired to create the blushes on the clay surface Darlene’s pottery can be found in museums throughout the Southwest. She has also won ribbons at events such as Santa Fe Indian Market and the Heard Museum style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">