Henry Shelton, Hopi Pueblo Artist

Henry Shelton (Ho-ya'oma - Arrow Carrying), Hopi Pueblo Master Artist

Henry P. Shelton, known by his Hopi name Ho-ya'oma - Arrow Carrying, was from the ancestral village of Oraibi on Third Mesa of the Hopi Reservation. Born into a distinguished family of artists, he was the son of Peter Shelton. and brother to Peter Shelton, Jr., both renowned carvers of Katsina dolls.

Henry honed his artistic skills at the esteemed Santa Fe Indian School, attending from 1944 to 1949. Throughout his prolific career, he dedicated much of his life to creating exquisite Katsina dolls, captivating paintings, and compelling sculptures. His exceptional talent has garnered him an impressive array of awards and exhibitions, too numerous to fully list.

Henry Shelton's profound contributions to Native American art are reflected in the prestigious collections that house his work, including the Smithsonian Institution, the Museum of Northern Arizona, the Kansas State Historical Society, the Denver Art Museum, and the Heard Museum, alongside countless private collections. Today, his work remains eagerly sought after by collectors worldwide, a testament to his enduring legacy as a Hopi master.

Henry Shelton (1929-2016) came from a talented family. His father, Peter Shelton (1927-1992) Hoyesva - Wherever the Arrow Lands, and brother Peter Shelton, Jr. (1920-1992) Sehaho - Yellow Arrow are also known for their carvings. Henry began carving and painting at an early age under the guidance of renowned artist Fred Kabotie. The Shelton brothers are credited with pioneering the superfine, one-piece carving style that set a new standard in Hopi katsina art.

Reference: Hopi Katsina: 1,600 Artist Biographies by Gregory and Angie Yan Schaaf.

TAGS: Peter Shelton, Jr., Hopi Pueblo, Katsina Dolls, Peter Shelton, Fred Kabotie