Hopi Hand Coiled Carved Sunface Pottery Seed Pot

Lawrence Namoki (1949-2020), from Walpi on First Mesa, is a master potter whose work bridges traditional Hopi carving with contemporary ceramic art. Beginning with miniature wooden kachinas, he transitioned to deeply carved pottery in the 1980s, creating pieces that capture the essence of Katsina figures through slipped and painted surfaces. His artistic vision evolved to celebrate Hopi mythology and cultural heritage, with each piece reflecting his deep understanding of Hopi traditions. Namoki's work has earned recognition at prestigious venues including Santa Fe Indian Market and the Heard Indian Market, with pieces held in the permanent collections of the Denver Art Museum, the Smithsonian Institution, and the Heard Museum. As he explains, this distinctive art form cannot be taught in conventional settings—it requires both Hopi heritage and cultural knowledge to authentically express through clay.

This piece comes from our private collection. It was made as a collaboration between Lawrence and his daughter Laurencita. They signed it together as "Lawrenceta Namoki".

3 3/4" Tall, 3 1/2" Wide