Nampeyo, Iris

Born in 1944, Iris Youvella Nampeyo is a daughter of famous Hopi-Tewa potter Fannie Nampeyo. She learned the traditional art of making pottery by watching and working with her mother as she grew up.

Early in her career as a potter she used many of the pottery styles and designs made famous by her mother and grandmother but then she changed to making unslipped tan pottery with perhaps an appliqué ear-of-corn but no painted decorations.

Three “trademarks” of Iris’ works: the exquisite polish, an organic opening and a delicately carved appliqué ear-of-corn design. The appliqué was first introduced into the Hopi pottery world by Elizabeth White (Polingaysi Qoyawayma) and developed further by Al Qoyawayma and Iris.

Iris signs her pottery on the bottom with “Iris Nampeyo” and a corn clan symbol denoting her clan affiliation.

Some Exhibits that featured Pieces by Iris

• Elegance from Earth: Hopi Pottery. Heard Museum. Phoenix, AZ. March 24, 2012 – April 6, 2014
• Gifts from the Community. Heard Museum West. Surprise, AZ. April 12,2008 – October 12, 2008