The Wedding Vase plays a significant role in Native American weddings, historically and currently. Representing the husband and wife, the vase embodies the unity of the new couple. This sacred tradition has a beautiful process, from creation through the wedding and celebrations; afterwards, it becomes a permanent treasure. Ancient ceremonies included a liquid from the [...]

As the Katsina season closes in on the final few weeks of ceremonies, the Hopi people celebrate Wuko’uyis during the month of June. This is an important time for botany, food growth, and most importantly, the time to plant corn. The corn must receive a blessing of rain, which will promote growth, affording healthy, mature [...]

Turquoise is perhaps the oldest stone in human history with handcut beads dating back to 5000 B.C. discovered in Persia. Turquoise gets its name from the Greek work “Turkois” meaning “Turkish” for it was a stone that was bought in the Turkish bazaars. Turquoise is believed to aid in positive healing energy, mental functions, communications, [...]

  May is the beginning of the end of Katsina season. Specifically May, is Hakitonmuya (the waiting period), the period for planting beans, squash, and melons outside and waiting for warmer weather to plant the corn outdoors. This is the period of waiting for warmer weather.   The ceremonies and activities for this season include [...]

Hopi glass blowing is an exhilarating art that creates custom-shaped glass objects with handcrafted, intricate designs. Hopi blown glass is a newer art form for the Hopi and schools like hopischool.net are doing their best to make glass art another avenue for artistic expression. The Hopi School offers a myriad of classes, including a glass-blowing [...]

Modern news is shocking, depressing, and enough to shake anyone’s faith in humanity. We must remember there is more good than bad in this world, one just has to know where to look. For example, Hopitutuqaiki is a Hopi School, dedicated to the teaching of traditional Hopi values through traditional art forms. In the past, [...]

Heard Museum will host a Gathering of Carvers this Saturday, April 13. The largest gathering in the United States will showcase Hopi Katsina doll carvers, affording them the opportunity to sell their important works. The gathering will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.in the Steele Auditorium at the Heard Museum.   The artists will [...]

Potters continually develop and enhance their work with new materials and techniques. Materials change as communities thrive, creating ever-changing art for many to enjoy. The Jemez people of the Jemez Mountains in New Mexico, dug rich, white clay. This clay allowed the potter to produce botanical designs and dark black carbon marks in the pottery [...]

Native American pottery pieces are historically and aesthetically pleasing in any home, especially unique works of art like horse hair pottery and railroad jewelry. We previously posted on the intriguing history behind railroad jewelry, and now it’s time to venture into horse hair pottery.                       [...]

One of the most thoughtful and sentimental gifts for women in your family is a jewelry box. These boxes are beautiful, useful, and can be passed down for generations. Additionally, they make caring for your jewelry fun and fashionable!   A Hopi-designed, handcarved and stained wooden jewelry box is a great addition to your Native [...]