“Woman’s Head” Large Wooden Sculpture by artist Neguinha

Created by Mestra Neguinha

Maria do Carmo dos Santos, known as Mestra Neguinha, was born in 1961 in Belo Jardim, Pernambuco, Northeastern Brazil, and comes from a long line of women potters — daughter, granddaughter, and great-granddaughter of louceiras (traditional clay artisans). Her work is deeply rooted in this family tradition, transforming clay into a wide variety of objects.

She began with traditional clay pots, but her creativity soon led her to shape whimsical forms like anteaters. Over time, her repertoire expanded to include Catholic saints such as Saint Francis and Frei Damião, as well as a rich array of utilitarian and decorative pieces — platters, chickens, and other animals. Every creation speaks to her heritage and the living spirit of Brazilian folk artistry.