Hopi Polychrome Seed Jar with Eagle Tail Design by Rachel Sahmie

This classic polychrome seed jar is the work of the late Hopi-Tewa master potter Rachel Sahmie (1956-2022). The symmetrically-molded traditional seed jar is decorated with a four panel design of mirrored images of the eagle tail design that Rachel’s great-great-grandmother Nampeyo perfected and her descendants canonized. This seed jar form itself was also perfected by Nampeyo at the turn of the century. The two versions of the eagle tail design on this jar each feature four eagle tail feathers dropping down from outstretched talons or beaks. The jar fired beautifully, expressing the full tonality from ivory to deep orange that Hopi yellowware pottery is prized for. This piece measures 4” height and 7” diameter, and is signed with Rachel’s Hopi name in guaco on the bottom.