Joy Navasie 2nd Frogwoman

Hopi

Joy Navasie (Yellow Flower) was born in 1919 to famed Hopi-Tewa potter Paqua Naha (also known as First Frogwoman). Paqua has been credited with developing the Hopi white ware style of pottery with the smooth, polished finish. She perfected her technique only a few years before she passed on, after years of working at it.

Joy learned to make pottery from her mother and was active from 1935 to 1995, assuming the name "Second Frogwoman" early in her career. She worked most of her career in the black-and-red-on-white style originated by her mother in the 1950s. Joy passed away in 2012 after a long period of declining health.

Just like mothers immemorial, Joy taught her children: Marianne Navasie, Maynard Navasie, Leona Navasie, Natelle Lee, Grace Lomahquahu and Loretta Navasie Koshiway, how to make Hopi pottery: white, red and yellow. She also taught her grandson, Charles Navasie.

A difference in how she and her mother signed with their trademark frog: Paqua drew short, straight toes with no webbing while Joy drew curved, webbed toes.