Polacca, Delmar

Born in 1959, Delmar Polacca is a Hopi-Tewa potter from the village of Polacca, near the base of First Mesa. He’s the son of Tom Polacca and grandson of Fannie Nampeyo. He learned how to make pottery through watching them, and his aunts, uncles, cousins and other relatives, making pottery as he grew up.

Delmar follows in his father’s footsteps, creating intricately carved and painted scenes from Hopi culture on his pieces. He’s earned many awards for his work since he first appeared in the marketplace in 1993. He earned the Best of Division award for a miniature at the Heard Museum in 2001. He earned a First Place award at the Santa Fe Indian Market in 2018 for a carved piece. His work has also appeared at the Hopi Show at the Museum of Northern Arizona, the Zuni Art Show and at the Gallup InterTribal Ceremonials, earning awards at each.