Welcome to
First People Potsan online catalog of 500+ pieces of Native American artwork owned by a private collector, described by Cowboys & Indians Magazine as “a valuable resource for collectors, galleries, and scholars.”
2022-16a Bisque-fired shepherd
o This is the first of three catalog entries about this group of pottery. Each begins with the same introduction. Carrying almost no design, with only subtle suggestions of form, this small grouping of effigies stands in stark contrast to the 11 other beautifully...
2022-15 Small carved serpent pot
This is a small but complexly-carved pot. Seen by itself, its conception and detailed execution are striking. Seen in the context of the eleven other pots by Nathan in this collection, the extraordinary...
2022-14 Large vase with a flock of abstract birds
This vase displays a mural of abstract birds, Hopi messengers to the gods. For me those birds also carry substantial emotions. This is the last pot I bought directly from Rachael, who was gravely...
2022-13 Modern Sikyatki eagle tail jar
This large seedpot is both art and experiment. Its design is a particularly elaborate rendition of an ancient design revitalized by Nampeyo in the late 19th century, inherited by generations of...
2022-12 Eleven-pot necklace with silver beads
The necklace has an overall length of 32 inches. The two ladles & two pipes average 0.532 “ h X 0.855” w X 2.0” long. The four jars average 0.969" h X 1.00” w. The two canteens average 1.25” h X 1.50” w X 0.875” deep. The...
2022-11 Small pot by Zella Nampeyo
This is a particularly undistinguished Hopi-Tewa pot. It is included in this collection because of its historical, not aesthetic, value. Its maker, Zella Nampeyo, is the daughter of Nellie, Nampeyo and Lesso's third...
