About the Artist

(1926-1985) The granddaughter of Nampeyo and daughter of Fannie Nampeyo and Vinton Polacca, this Hopi artist was known for her fine line work in decoration. Also known as Elva Tewaguna, Elva had married Richard Tewaguna. She specialized in black and red on yellow bowls and jars with traditional migration designs and eagle motifs. Her signature is followed by the corn clan symbol, originally initiated by her mother, Fannie. Elva's work is in the public collections of the Museum of Northern Arizona and the Heard Museum in Arizona. Four out of five of her children became potters (Neva, Elton, Miriam and Adelle).