Joy Navasie Hopi Pueblo Wedding Vase

This stunning wedding vase, created by Joy Navasie, also known as Second Frog Woman, is a testament to her exceptional craftsmanship and deep cultural heritage. Pictured on page 121 in the book Hopi-Tewa Pottery: 500 Artist Biographies by Gregory Schaaf, edited by Richard M. Howard, this piece exemplifies the traditional artistry of the Hopi-Tewa people.

The vase features intricate beak and eagle tail motifs, which hold significant meaning in Hopi culture. The beak motif represents communication and the connection between the physical and spiritual realms, symbolizing the voice of the ancestors guiding the couple in their new life together. The eagle tail motif signifies strength, courage, and protection, qualities essential for a harmonious and enduring marriage. Together, these motifs imbue the wedding vase with profound symbolic power, blessing the union it commemorates.

Wedding vases are integral to Hopi wedding ceremonies, symbolizing the union of two individuals and the joining of their families. The vase typically has two spouts, representing the bride and groom, with a bridge between them signifying their shared path and mutual support. During the ceremony, the couple drinks from the vase, a ritual that underscores their commitment to each other and the blending of their lives.

Joy Navasie's wedding vase, with its masterful design and meaningful motifs, not only reflects the rich traditions of the Hopi-Tewa people but also showcases her unique talent and artistic vision. As Second Frog Woman, she has continued the legacy of her mother, Paqua Naha, the original Frog Woman, while adding her distinctive touch to each piece she creates. This wedding vase is a beautiful example of her work, embodying the cultural significance and artistic excellence for which she is renowned.

Renowned artist Joy Navasie (1919-2012), also known as the Second Frog Woman or Yellow Flower, was a beacon of talent in Hopi-Tewa pottery. She began her artistic journey at 17, under the guidance of her mother, Paqua Naha, the original Frog Woman. Paqua Naha pioneered the white ware pottery style in the mid-1950s, and Joy embraced and perpetuated this innovative technique until her retirement in 1995.

The legacy of the Frog Women continued with Joy's daughters-Marianne Navasie, Leona Navasie, Natelle Lee, Loretta Navasie Koshiway, and Grace Lomahquahu-who uphold the family tradition. A unique aspect of their pottery is the frog hallmark, used by both Joy and her mother. However, a subtle distinction exists in the depiction of the frog's feet: Paqua Naha opted for short straight toes, while Joy chose to portray them as webbed, adding a personal touch to her creations. This nuanced difference highlights their individual artistic identities within the shared tradition.

Condition: very good condition

Provenance: this Joy Navasie Hopi Pueblo Wedding Vase is from the estate of a Santa Fe resident

Recommended Reading: HOPI AND HOPI-TEWA POTTERY, Published in Plateau, volume 49, Number 3, winter 1977

TAGS: Hopi-Tewa, Paqua Naha, Pueblo Pottery, Loretta Navasie Koshiway