Nampeyo, Gary Polacca – Tall Jar with Carved Eagle Dancer, Sun, and Hano Katsinas (1970s)

This is a large, complex jar by Gary Polacca Nampeyo.  He is known for his deeply carved pottery.   He is a son of Thomas Polacca,  a grandson of Fannie Nampeyo, and a great-grandson of Nampeyo of Hano. His sisters Carla Claw Nampeyo and Elvira Nampeyo are both potters.  His early pottery was polished red and then fully incised with designs and then he began carving pottery much like his father.  This tall jar is narrow in shape and has a carved kiva on the top.  On the sides are a carved eagle dancer, Flute Player, Hano Katsina, and Sun. They are deeply carved into the clay and the background is incised with tiny lines. The jar was painted with bee-weed and red clay.  It is a striking use of techniques and designs.  The piece was traditionally fired to create the blushes on the surface.  It is signed on the bottom in the clay, “G. 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.