Nampeyo, Carla Claw – Jar with Carved Koyemsi and Drum

4"w x 4.5"h

$ 150.00

Carla Claw Nampeyo is a daughter of noted potter Thomas Polacca and a niece of Fannie Nampeyo. She is also a great-granddaughter of Nampeyo of Hano. Her brother is Gary Polacca and she is married to Raul Claw (Navajo).  She is known for her incised pottery and the use of slips that give the appearance of wood to the surface of her pottery. This jar has a Koyemsi or Mudhead Katsina as the design. The katsina is depicted with a drum. The remainder of the jar is fully polished tan (the natural color of the clay).  It is said of the Koyemsi Katsina:

The Koyemsi, or Mudhead Kachina, is a clown who may be seen in most Hopi ceremonies. Mudhead Kachinas drum, dance, play games with the audience, and may act as announcers for events. They often give prizes or rewards for the races and guessing games they organize.

The jar is signed on the bottom, “Carla Nampeyo”.