Sedona, AZ: Summer is the time of ceremonial dances, growing corn, and monsoon rains to the Hopi people. And for the last 75 years, summer has also been the time that this hardworking and spiritual people come to Flagstaff to share their art and culture. This July 4 and 5, the Museum of Northern Arizona will open its doors for its 76th Annual Hopi Festival of Arts and Culture, “the Oldest Hopi Art Show in the World.”
<< Dancer from the Nuvatukya’ovi Sinom Dance Group, Photo © 2008 Michele Mountain/MNA
The Museum comes alive with the sights, sounds, and tastes of the Hopi people—evoking the very spirit of this Colorado Plateau culture. Explore Hopi beliefs and current issues with Heritage Insights talks. Enjoy meeting over 75 artists from the 12 Hopi villages, presenting centuries-old art traditions kept alive through contemporary innovations. And hear Casper and the 602 Band’s riveting Hopi reggae under the big tent.
The Hopi village of Orayvi is considered the oldest continuously inhabited settlement in the United States, dating back more than a millennium. The Hopi have survived in their mesa homeland for centuries and although their culture is changing, their core values remain intact and central to their culture. At the Hopi Festival, these values are expressed in many ways.
Museum Director Robert Breunig said, “This year’s Hopi Festival will honor the life and career of noted katsina doll carver Ernest Moore Jr. (1934–2008) with a display of his work. He came to carving late in life and his exceptionally fine work elevated him to a master artist level in a very short time. He was a recognized Hopi Festival artist for many years, including at last year’s event. His skillful eyes and hands will be missed in the art world, as well as the twinkle in his eye and his friendly nature.”
New This Year
Heritage Program Coordinator Anne Doyle continued, “We’re really excited about a new addition to the festival. Katsina doll carver and poet Ramson Lomatewama has worked at the Museum for many years as a demonstrator and educator. His more recent artistic interests have led him to glass blowing. This year he’ll be outside, demonstrating how he creates his glittering, glass blown spirit figures.”
Also new this year will be a chance to meet author Stewart B. Koyiyumptewa. With seasoned American West history author Carolyn O’Bagy Davis, he has coauthored The Hopi People, part of Arcadia Publishing’s Images of America series. Koyiyumptewa is a member of the Badger/Butterfly Clan from Hotevilla on Third Mesa and has worked for the Hopi Cultural Preservation Office as the tribal archivist for the last eight years.
