Joy Navasie
Hopi
Frog Woman
Bowl
c. 1940s
3 1/2"
H x 7" D
Joy (originally Yellow Flower)
“Frogwoman” Navasie, member of the Kachina Clan, was
born in 1919 into the Hopi/Tewa tribes of Northern Arizona. She
is the daughter of the famous Paqua (original Frogwoman) Naha,
who was credited for originating the white slip elegant styled
Hopi pottery.
Paqua’s trademark was
the frog symbol and it was passed down to Joy in 1939. Joy’s
frog symbol has long webbed feet, while Paqua’s had short
toes. Joy has been using her trademark since the age of 20. She
learned all the traditional methods of pottery making from her
mother. Joy’s career as a potter began in 1935.
Joy specializes in traditional
styled white slip Hopi pottery. All of the steps used to make
her pottery are taught the traditional way, from gathering clay,
cleaning, molding, coiling the pottery, slipping, polishing,
painting, and finally the outdoor firing with sheep dung.
Joy coils many shapes of pottery
like: wedding vases, jars, and bowls. Joy taught her family members
all of the knowledge that she acquired over the years, so that
they may continue the tradition which her mother, Paqua, started
back in 1935. Joy signs her pottery with a frog symbol.
Joy is related to many famous
artist among them are: Burel Naha, Stetson Setalla, (nephews),
Sylvia Naha, Fawn Navasie (nieces), Marianne Harrison, Loretta
Navasie (daughters), and Charles Navasie (grandson).
Joy has pottery displayed
in several museums as well as private collections around the
world.
