Hopi Pueblos (Three Mesas)
Hopi Knit Dance Socks. The body of the sock is black and it has a belt design at the top in red, green and white.
Here is a beautiful Butterfly Katsina, by Hopi carver, Chester Poleyestewa. Chester carves only the old style katsinas, which may be hung on the wall. At first glance, his pieces may seem simple, but the work and painting is of the utmost craftsmanship and quality, the painting exquisite. This Butterfly has a spiny oyster shell teardrop dangling from her forehead, and a beautiful natural turquoise necklace.
Shown is the Supai Katsina by Hopi carver, Chester Poleyestewa. He carves only the old-style katsinas in cottonwood root, which can be hung on the wall. This Supai has detailed painting on the sash and a lovely natural turquoise necklace.
"Knife Wing Dancer"- this Katsina is considered to be the War God of the Zuni. It is often seen in the inlaid jewelry of the Zuni jewelers. Chester Polyestewa has painted this doll with beautiful pigments and decorated the dancer with feathers, which are often considered to be clouds. The doll has a really positive energy, and is probably a rainbow and bird combination. We will have to ask Chester, next time he comes to the gallery.
Jacob Poleviyouma, is featured in Theta Bassman’s book, "The Beauty of Hopi Jewelry". This beautiful Sunface design, measures 3-3/4 inches in diameter, and was created in 1980 and purchased in Gallup, New Mexico, that year. The tips are handmade with matching Sunface overlay drops on the bottom. The artist died in 1982. The Sunface Kachina is the leader of ceremonies and considered to be essential for life.
Hopi Silversmith, Lawrence Saufkie, has been a silversmith from over 60 years. His father, Paul Saufkie, along with Fred Kaboutie, were the people responsible for developing the Hopi overlay style of jewelry in the 1930’s. Lawerence is credited for pushing to the art form it is known as Hopi overlay, today. Saufkie will be honored at the Santa Fe Indian Market this summer with a lifetime achievement award. The two bolos represent a Hopi Katsina face with multiple overlays of silver. The smaller piece was purchased that same year in Estes Park, Colorado. It measures 2 -1/8 inches wide x 2 inches, again with beautiful handmade silver tips. Because of his health, Saufkie now produces very little jewelry. The technique of Hopi overlay is that the designs are cut by hand (usually with one continuous cut) and soldered to the silver sheet below... which is incised with beautiful patterns of its own. Lawrence Saufkie jewelry is infinitely more then the sum of its parts.
Iris Youvella Nampeyo-Iris is Hopi/Tewa and of the Corn Clan, from the Hopi Pueblo, she has been actively making pottery since 1960. Featured is a classic Nampeyo hand polished and traditionally fired Buffware Jar. The flowing lines, the buff color and the applique`ed corn stalk are all her signature techniques.
Hilili Katsina is said to have originated in the Zuni Pueblo. Hilili is a Guard and he is admired for how fast he dances. The name comes from sounds he makes.
"Kwasa-Itaka"- Terry Lee Gasdia is a versatile artist carving in wood and stone. This carving is made of aged cottonwood root and painted with pigments, then decorated with feathers. In the tradition of Hopi doll carving, each Katsina has a special role during ceremonies and seasons. This Katsina is also called the Seed Katsina.
"Tawa"-Our Father Sun and "Hahai-i Wuhti"-Our Mother- Seasoned cottonwood root is painted with pigment and decorated with feathers. Father and Mother are sold as a pair, this is a unique offering. Terry has been learning and creating the KatsinaM culture his whole life. Call about these Katsina and you may reach Terry himself in the gallery to explain more about their significance in the Hopi ceremonies.
