Nampeyo, Gary Polacca – Bowl with 32 Feathers, Sun and Coyote Medallions (1970s)

This is an early piece by Gary Polacca Nampeyo.  He is known for his deeply carved pottery.  His early pottery was polished red and then fully incised with designs.  This piece is polished red and then etched.  There are 32 feathers etched around the top of the bowl.  On the side there is a sunface medallion with feathers and clouds.  The opposite side has a coyote medallion (the coyote is upside down!).  There is a lot of detail on this piece for the size.  Gary Polacca is a son of Thomas Polacca,  a grandson of Fannie Nampeyo and great-grandson of Nampeyo of Hano. His sisters Carla Claw Nampeyo and Elvira Nampeyo are both potters.  This bowl is signed on the bottom in the clay, “Gary Polacca Nampeyo”.   It is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair.

Brand

Polacca Nampeyo, Gary (b. 1955)

Gary Polacca is a son of Thomas Polacca and a grandson of Fannie Nampeyo and great-grandson of Nampeyo of Hano. His sisters Carla Claw Nampeyo and Elvira Nampeyo are both potters. Gary continues in a similar style of carved pottery to that of his father. His pottery can be found in museums such as the Museum of Indian Art and Culture in Santa Fe, NM.