Michael Kabotie’s Big Horn Sheep (Pangw) Katsina [SOLD]

This piece features the Pangwu (Bighorn Sheep) Katsina, painted by the renowned Hopi artist and silversmith Michael Kabotie (1942-2009), whose Hopi name was Lomawywesa ("Walking in Harmony"). The lower portion of the painting features his signature "Lomawywesa" along with his distinctive feather/cloud hallmark.

Son of celebrated Hopi artist Fred Kabotie, Michael Kabotie was a founding member of Artist Hopid — a groundbreaking collective formed in 1973 alongside Milland Lomakema, Terrance Talaswaima, Neil David Sr., and Delbridge Honanie. The movement revolutionized Hopi visual art by blending traditional symbolism with contemporary modernist and cubist influences.

Subject & Symbolic Meaning

The Pangwu (Bighorn Sheep) Katsina: The figure depicted is the Bighorn Sheep Katsina (Pangwu), recognizable by the large, textured horn curving past the face, mosaic/turquoise ear pendants, and fan-like feather headpiece.

Ceremonial Role: In Hopi tradition, the Bighorn Sheep Katsina dances during winter ceremonies as a messenger to bring rain, ensure good health, and honor the spirit of game animals needed for the community's sustenance.

Visual Style: Kabotie utilizes bold, geometric compartmentalization reminiscent of ancient Awatovi kiva murals and Sikyatki pottery design, framed with vibrant acrylic blocks of color and an ethereal, textured background wash.

Condition: very good condition

Provenance: this painting of Michael Kabotie's Big Horn Sheep (Pangw) Katsina is from the collection of a client of Adobe Gallery

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

TAGS: Hopi Pueblo, Fred Kabotie, Terrance Talaswaima, Milland Lomakema, Delbridge Honanie, Neil David, Sr., Michael Kabotie