Through a collection of remarkable photographs, the outside world will have a rare look into this unique culture. A book signing with Koyiyumptewa is scheduled on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and the book is on sale in the Museum’s Bookstore.

Heritage Insights Presentations

The nuances of making Hopi basketry will be revealed by Ruby Chimerica and her daughter Anita Koruh, as they present an ongoing demonstration on weaving baskets, cradleboards, and rattles from sumac and rabbitbush.

A dynamic artist in his own right, Ed Kabotie is grandson and son to two noted artists, Fred and Michael Kabotie. Ed Kabotie plays acoustic guitar and Native flute, while incorporating teachings about the Hopi language and its history into his music. He sings in Hopi, Tewa, and English in his trilingual compositions.  

Bob Rhodes and Dr. Robert Breunig will share their knowledge of Hopi basketry. Rhodes is director of Hopitutuqaiki, the Hopi School’s Summer Arts Program, and Breunig is the Museum’s director.

A rare opportunity for public participation in the exhibit creation process, cultural educator and curator Susan Sekakuku will present early ideas being explored for the Museum’s upcoming permanent Hopi exhibit. As part of the exhibit’s development, Sekakuku will present proposed themes and will be looking for feedback from the audience.

Clark Tenakhongva will talk about katsina doll carving—the history of the art form, the spiritual aspects of katsina dolls, and what the carvings represent.  

Gary Tso, owner and operator of Left Handed Hunter Tours, is an energetic speaker who will talk about Hopi culture, Hopi clan migrations, the story of the four worlds, and the Europeanization of Hopiland.

Under the Big Tent

Only on Sunday at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., Casper and the 602 Band will perform their high energy, Jamaican-inspired reggae combined with Native roots. Casper Loma-da-wa’s lyrics are filled with hope and power, telling stories of contemporary reservation life. “Reggae,” he says, “is the music of a struggling people—that’s what Jamaican music is. We, as Native people, have been struggling all these years.” The band has opened for reggae greats such as the Wailers, Culture, and Burning Spear.

The Nuvatukya’ovi Sinom Dance Group will perform the Polhikmana or water maiden dance, and the koshari or clown dance to unite people and make them happy. They will also perform a Supai dance celebrating the Havasupai people. All of the dance troup’s regalia—the clothing, weaving, and tabletas or headdresses—is designed and handmade by the dancers, and all of the outfits have cloud designs for rain.

On Saturday only at 11 a.m., organizer and designer Maya David will return this year with her team of seamstresses and models from throughout the Hopi Mesas to present a fashion show of Native inspired creations.

Sidney Poolheco and Sandra Hamana will perform traditional Hopi songs, while capturing elements of change in the Hopi culture through contemporary tunes and lyrics. Poolheco’s music is often featured on KUYI 88.1 Hopi Radio.

Hopi Quilt Display

Quilting was introduced to Hopi women over 100 years ago by Mennonite missionaries. Since then, Hopi quilters have incorporated cultural symbols and designs to make quilts that are uniquely their own. Today quilts are contemporary works of art and have become part of the Hopi matrilineal society, given at special occasions such as weddings and baby naming ceremonies. A number of quilts will be on display and available for sale at the festival.