Al Qoyawayma is a remarkable man. He has had an exceptional career as an mechanical engineer, having developed a inertial guidance system  and space trackers.  He has also had an exceptional career as an artist, drawing on his Hopi roots and developing ceramics that are based on tradition but that cross over into current minimalist art. 

Al Qoyawayma's aunt, known in the Anglo world as Elizabeth White, greatly influenced his technique and style as did Charles Loloma, another relative. This miniature jar is made out of native Hopi clay and slip, coiled and stone polished and has sculpted corn or maize which is a sacred part of Hopi religion. Its simplicity belies its elegance.