The pioneering artwork in clay of Dextra Quotskuyva is world renowned and her subsequent profound influence on modern Native American art universally acknowledged. Her art is highly sought after for its groundbreaking design innovation and quality of execution by museums and avid admirers of the art-form alike.

As an artist like her ancestors, women of the Pueblo tribes to this day remain unable to enter the inner reaches of their religious ceremonial kivas where Pueblo sacred rituals are predominantly held. In response to this female potters of the Pueblo tribes have for generations traditionally embellished their pottery jars with abstract designs, prayers, rain-birds and sacred symbols relating to water and its integral place in the sustenance of life for the committees of in the desert southwest.

Following that tradition with this jar, Dextra initially perfectly formed and executed the artwork with traditional Hopi clay and exterior clay slips. The jar then becomes the symbolically spoken art that is so indicative of Dextra’s unique style. On one side of the exterior of this artwork Dextra has placed a Sityatki influenced Ancestral Hopi stylized rain-bird which dances in abstract pendant form from the sky-band of clouds that completely encircle the upper portions of the jar. The Thunderbird Swirls in its exuberant creation of rain and impending storm and becomes further empowered by its morphed inclusion of the opening of the jar which is here represented as the opening to a ceremonial kiva. Cut out depictions of lightning and kiva ladder stairs swirl around the jar’s opening under Dextra’s hand. Pendant clouds rest in quiet repose on the verso giving strength, balance and harmony to the artwork. This jar is a masterpiece.

Measures: 8.75” w. x 5.25” h.

Condition is perfect.