Thomas Polacca
Tom Polacca was born in 1935 and is the grandson of Nampeyo, son of Fannie Polacca Nampeyo and brother of several well-known potters including Elva Tewaguna, Leah Nampeyo, Tonita Nampeyo and Iris Youvella Nampeyo. He has been married to his wife Gertrude for over 47 years.
Tom is a self-taught potter who pioneered the deeply precise carved pottery. Tom’s pottery is well known for their beautiful mural like scenes of Hopi religious ritual and ceremonies. Thomas developed a very contemporary style with deep carvings depicting Kachina’s, the Anasazi and animals depicted by Kachina’s. Tom’s pottery is often very large and unique in color and his work has been featured in many publications. He has been the winner of several awards including 1st Place at both the New Mexico State Fair and the Gallup Inter-Tribal Ceremonial.
Tom is a self-taught potter who pioneered the deeply precise carved pottery. Tom’s pottery is well known for their beautiful mural like scenes of Hopi religious ritual and ceremonies. Thomas developed a very contemporary style with deep carvings depicting Kachina’s, the Anasazi and animals depicted by Kachina’s. Tom’s pottery is often very large and unique in color and his work has been featured in many publications. He has been the winner of several awards including 1st Place at both the New Mexico State Fair and the Gallup Inter-Tribal Ceremonial.