Joy Navasie

Artist Profile

Joy (originally Yellow Flower) “Frogwoman” Navasie, member of the Kachina Clan, was born in 1919 into the Hopi/Tewa Reservation. 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. Joy is one of the most prolific and finest Hopi potters of today. She learned the traditional methods of pottery making from her mother.

Joy specializes in traditional style 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, outdoor firing. Joy coils many shapes of pottery, such as wedding vases, jars and bowls. Joy has shared her pottery knowledge with family members so 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 artists including: Burel Naha, Stetson Setalla (nephews), Sylvia Naha, Fawn Navasie (nieces), Marianne Harrison, Loretta Navasie (daughters) and Charles Navasie (grandson).