Tom Polacca
Summer Ceremony
10 3/4"
H x 8 1/4" D
Tom Polacca is the son of
Fannie Nampeyo, and grandson of famed Hopi potter, Nampeyo. Tom's
innovative style is reflected in his relief designs. He, like
his grandmother, has developed a new approach to Hopi pottery.
He has skillfully blended traditional elements with a contemporary
style.
Once in a while a piece is
produced that is special to Tom. These pieces he calls his "museum
quality" pieces, and they are distinguishable from the others
because on these, and only on these, he will engrave his signature
into the bottom. You might even say these are Tom's "Signature
Series." This is one of those.
Every detail has been elaborately
etched into the pottery surface. He has meticulously made sure
that nothing was overlooked, from the delicately ribbed feathers
around the rim, to those around the base.
Tom has recently taken his
designs to a new level with additional depth and color. The murals
come alive and seem to leap right from the pottery surface. This
piece is no exception. He has masterfully depicted two summer
ceremony figures in a powerful stance.
One is the Longhair kachina,
who appears during times of Niman Katsina or "Home Dance."
During this period, the kachinas prepare to leave the Hopi mesas
and return to their home in the San Fransisco peaks.
Eagle feathers finish off
the design as the fundamental vehicle through which the Hopi
people are able to send their prayers to the Sun, or Dawa.
Thomas always does an excellent
job of placing symbols of significance throughout his pieces
in such an abstract manner, that it requires a great deal of
examination and reflection to fully appreciate the hidden nuances.
Cloud and storm designs, as well as eagle feathers find their
way in and throughout nearly all of Tom's themes.
Tom has been featured in many
books and magazines which focus primarily on elite Indian arts.
He is mentioned in several prominent works on Hopi pottery, including
Hopi-Tewa Pottery: 500 Artist Biographies by Gregory Schaaf,
The Art of the Hopi by Jerry and Lois Jacka, Fourteen
Families in Pueblo Pottery by Rick Dillingham, and many others.
