Randall Sahmie Nahto

Hopi

The son of Priscilla Namingha Nampeyo and Donnelly Sahmie, Randall Sahmie Nahto was a Hopi-Tewa of the Corn Clan. He grew up in a very illustrious family: his great-great-grandmother was Nampeyo of Hano. Among his siblings were Jean Sahmie, Rachel Sahmie and Nyla Sahmie. Dextra Quotskuyva Nampeyo was his aunt and Steve Lucas, Les Namingha and Hisi Quotskuyva were cousins.

Randall was born in 1950 and died suddenly in 2008. He seemed to have been more of a painter and kachina carver than a potter but he did make some beautiful (and interesting) pottery. Unlike many Hopi-Tewa, he didn't live near First Mesa, he lived near Jeddito. He said his designs were inspired by rock art and pot sherds he found while walking in the canyons near his home.