Les Namingha

Hopi

Les Namingha

Les Namingha credits his aunt, Dextra Quotskuyva Nampeyo, with guiding him through the learning journey into becoming a traditional Hopi potter.

Les was born on Zuni Pueblo in 1968 to Irene Vicenti, his Zuni mother, and Emerson Namingha, his Hopi-Tewa father. That makes him a grandson of Rachel Namingha Nampeyo and great-great-grandson of Nampeyo of Hano.

Les was really interested in art, painting and design as he grew up. in 1989, he and his cousin Steve Lucas began their pottery studies under Aunt Dextra. Through that hands-on experience and with Dextra's patience in teaching, both became exceptional potters.

As his heritage straddles tribal lines, Les produces both Hopi and Zuni styles of pottery. He's recently been involved in a project to revive some of the more ancient Zuni designs and styles.