“Two Hopi Long Hair Katsinas with Mana” by Terrance Talaswaima [SOLD]

This piece is an original painting by Terrance Talaswaima (1939-1988) of Hopi Pueblo.  He signed with his Hopi name, Honvantewa (Bear Making Tracks), alongside his Artist Hopid insignia (the two stylized bear track marks preceding "T.T. HONVANTEWA '77"). 

The upper section depicts two Long Hair Katsinas with their characteristic flowing black hair, turquoise-painted faces, and beard ruffs. The Angak'china are beloved among the Hopi as bringers of gentle, steady rain and favorable weather for growing crops. Positioned in the center foreground is the Katsin'mana, recognizable by her traditional side whorls/hair buns (whorls) and stylized facial mask. She accompanies the dancers, often grinding corn or carrying rain/fertility symbolism during ceremonies.

The background and surrounding borders feature stylized corn stalks (with green leaves and developing ears), symbolizing life and sustenance. The terraced, stepped border structure represents cloud terraces / rain clouds  reinforcing the central theme of prayer for rain, growth, and cosmic balance.

Modernist Style & Artist Hopid

Executed in 1977, this piece exemplifies the signature style of Artist Hopid, the revolutionary Hopi artists' collective founded in 1973 by Talaswaima, Michael Kabotie, Milland Lomakema, Delbridge Honanie, and Neil David Sr.

Rather than adhering strictly to traditional, flat studio painting styles, Talaswaima incorporates a bold, graphic composition with strong black outlines and geometric framing, textured backdrop layering (the stippled, sponged background hues of ochre, terra cotta, and turquoise), and spatial abstraction where sacred symbols (clouds, corn, and Katsinam) blend into a unified graphic design aimed at documenting and teaching Hopi spiritual values.

Condition: very good condition

Provenance: this "Two Hopi Long Hair Katsinas with Mana" by Terrance Talaswaima is from the collection of a client of Adobe Gallery

Recommended Reading and Reference: Broder, Patricia Janis. Hopi Painting: The World of the Hopis, Brandywine Press, New York. 1978.

TAGS:  Hopi Reservation, Delbridge Honanie, Michael Kabotie, Neil David, Native American Painting, Delbridge Honanie, Milland Lomakema, Michael Kabotie, Neil David Sr., Terrance Talaswaima (Honvantewa)