Early Yellowware Eagle Tail Bowl by Nampeyo, c.1890

This early Sikyatki Revival example of Nampeyo’s yellowware dates to 1890. On this bowl, Nampeyo is expanding on the avian themes of her Sikyatki Revival art movement with eagle tail feathers dropping down, framed by talons. This is an iteration of her eagle tail design, which her descendants continue to use on their pottery. Interestingly, in this version of the design, rather than have the usual two tail feathers simply dropping down, Nampeyo created an original abstraction of them, where they are hanging by a thread right side up. In place of the sky band, Nampeyo used a floral design to fill the top of this bowl. This design shows her experimenting with these design elements before they become refined. Overall, the design is lively and unified. The bowl measures 3” height and 8 ¾” diameter, and is in excellent, original condition.