Fred Kabotie, Hopi Pueblo Painter
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"The life of Fred Kabotie has been one of dedication to the artistic traditions of the Hopi. Through his exquisite paintings he has introduced international audiences to the beauty of Hopi legends and ceremonies. As a Guggenheim fellow, Kabotie sought roots of Hopi symbolism in ancient cultures. As a teacher on the Hopi mesas, he inspired pride in and continuity of his students' great artistic heritage. And as a founder and the current president of the Hopi Cultural Center, he has helped to insure the preservation of traditional crafts and encourage innovations in Hopi art, bringing worldwide admiration to his people." The Museum of Northern Arizona, 1977
Fred Kabotie (1900-1986) *Naqavoyʹma, Tawawiiseoma, Hopi Pueblo, Shungopavi Village, Second Mesa. Kabotie's family, along with others, left the village of Oraibi in 1906 in an effort to escape the U.S. government's insistence that they abandon their customs and accept the Anglo ones. They established the village of Hotevilla, but eventually were forced to return to Oraibi and Shungopavi. In 1913, the children were forced to attend Government schools. Kabotie was sent to Santa Fe Indian School as punishment. The good that came from that is that he was encouraged to learn art. He has been a famous Hopi artist ever since. His paintings are rare because he devoted his adult life to helping his people rather than pursuing his own career. He was a full-time teacher, yet he found time to establish the Hopi Silvercraft Guild and to teach the students silver design. This included his son Michael Kabotie. Fred was instrumental in establishing the Hopi Cultural Center and served as its first president. His paintings are eagerly sought by collectors.
*Note: Naqavoyʹma means "the sun coming up day after day" in Hopi: the language spoken by the Puebloan people of Hopi, Arizona.
Reference: American Indian Jewelry I 1,200 Artist Biographies by Gregory and Angie Schaaf.
TAGS: Michael Kabotie, Hopi Pueblo, Native American Paintings
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