Jean Sahme

Jean Sahme (1948-2024) was a daughter of noted potter Priscilla Nampeyo and a sister of Nyla Sahmie, Rachel Sahmie, Bonnie Nampeyo, and Randy Sahmie. She was known for her traditional style of pottery. Each piece is coil built, stone polished, painted with natural clay slips and beeweed, and traditionally fired. She signs her work with a corn stalk symbol, a fish, and later works are signed, “sak’honsee” which means “Tobacco Flower Girl” in Hopi-Tewa.

Jean started potting in 1965.  Her work can be found in various galleries, private collections, museums, colleges, and universities in the United States and around the world. In 2014 Jean became an Arizona Living Treasure.