Nampeyo, Carla

Hopi-Tewa potter Carla Claw Nampeyo was born in 1961, the daughter of Thomas Polacca and Gertrude Polacca, and granddaughter of Fannie Nampeyo. Her great-grandmother was Nampeyo of Hano. Among her siblings are Gary Polacca Nampeyo, Elvira Naha Nampeyo and Delmar Polacca. She is a member of the Snow clan. She seems to have grown up splitting her time between the villages of Shungopavi and Polacca. Carla is married to Raul Claw (Dineh). She’s been an active potter since she was 14.

Carla’s father, Thomas Polacca, was a katsina carver and potter. He was well known for his carved and painted pieces. He seems to have been Carla’s primary teacher, she probably watched and worked with him as she was growing up.

Today Carla is known for her miniatures, her sgraffito work and her deep-carved polychrome seed pots and jars. Her favorite designs include warriors, clowns, katsinas and traditional geometrics.

Some of Carla’s work is included in the object collection of the Heard Museum.

Some Exhibits that featured Carla’s work

• Elegance from Earth: Hopi Pottery. Heard Museum. Phoenix, AZ. 2012-2014
• Images, Artists, Styles: Recent Acquisitions from the Heard Museum Collection. Heard Museum North. Scottsdale, AZ. 2001