Hopi Pueblo Pottery By Clinton Polacco Nampeyo

Late 20th Century

3.75" H x 3.875" D

Hand Coiled from Local Clay with Painted Dark Brown and Deep Orange Geometric Designs

From a Private Colorado Collection

In Very Good Condition

Clinton Polacca Nampeyo (often spelled as Clinton Polacca or Clinton Polacca Nampeyo) is a respected Native American potter from the Hopi Pueblo (specifically Hopi-Tewa tradition) in Arizona. He is part of the renowned Nampeyo family lineage, which is famous for reviving and innovating traditional Hopi pottery styles.

Born in 1958 (and passed away in 2022 according to some gallery records), he is the great-grandson of the legendary Hopi potter Nampeyo of Hano, grandson of Fannie Polacca Nampeyo, and son of Harold Polacca (with his mother from the Akimel O'odham/Pima tribe). He began making pottery around 1975, initially assisting family members before creating his own pieces. He was primarily taught by his grandmother, Fannie Nampeyo, and learned through observation and hands-on work within the family. His work features traditional Hopi polychrome pottery—black and red designs painted with natural mineral pigments on a yellow or buff clay base. Common motifs include classic Nampeyo-inspired patterns like migration designs (often avian or feather-inspired), Sikyatki revival elements, and other geometric or symbolic Hopi imagery. Pieces are hand-coiled, hand-painted, and traditionally fired outdoors.