Milland Lomakema Hopi Painting “Germination of Plants”

This is a beautiful piece by the late Milland Lomakema (1941-2021), a highly influential Hopi artist from the village of Shungopavi at Second Mesa, Arizona.

Lomakema's work is deeply rooted in the concept of germination and life cycles. While only he could provide the exact "story" for this specific piece, it utilizes several classic Hopi motifs:

In Hopi culture, hummingbirds are often messengers and symbols of fertility and moisture. They are frequently associated with the "bringing of the rain" because they appear when flowers bloom after a storm.  The three colored vessels (Red, Turquoise, and Yellow) resemble stylized flowers or ceremonial bowls. The stems protruding from them with white dots likely represent stamen/pollen or seeds, reinforcing the theme of life and growth.

The white, stair-like border on the right is a common "cloud-step" or "kiva-step" motif. It represents the path to the spirit world or the rising of clouds over the mesas. The use of earthy ochre, deep turquoise, and terracottas reflects the natural landscape of the Hopi mesas.

This painting is a late-career example of his "graphic" style. Notice the sharp, black outlines and the flat, saturated fields of color. This approach was revolutionary for Hopi art in the 1970s and 80s, as it blended ancient pottery and mural designs with 20th-century modernism.

While the specific title for this 2012 painting is not explicitly recorded in major public auction databases, Milland Lomakema's work from this period often uses titles that describe the themes of growth and ritual. Based on very similar pieces by the artist, this work is likely titled "Germination" or "Display of Plants".

Why These Titles "Germination"

Lomakema frequently returned to the germination theme, using these exact stylized chalice-like flowers and seed pods to represent the beginning of the life cycle. Another recurring title for his minimalist compositions that feature multiple floral or plant elements arranged in a rhythmic, stepped pattern is Display of Plants.  Many of his compositions, including the stepped "kiva-step" and stylized insects seen here, were inspired by original mural liftings from the Awatovi kiva excavations.

The painting is signed "Dawakema '72" in the lower right. Dawakema is Lomakema's Hopi name, which he used almost exclusively for his professional signature.

Lomakema was a member of "Artist Hopid," a collective formed in 1973. Their mission was to move beyond traditional "curio" art and use modern techniques (like the clean lines and bold acrylics seen here) to document Hopi history and values.

Despite having no formal art school training, he became a master of composition. He often signed his work as Dawakema (his Hopi name), which you can see in the stylized signature at the bottom right, followed by the year '12 (2012).

Condition: very good condition

Provenance: this Milland Lomakema Hopi Painting "Germination of Plants" is from a client of Adobe Gallery. Displayed in Special Exhibit: Ancestral Symbols, Modern Masterpieces: Documenting the Sacred Narratives and History of the Hopi People at Adobe Gallery for its 50th Anniversary Celebration Santa Fe, NM, May 2026.

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

TAGS: Hopi Pueblo, Michael Kabotie, Terrance Talaswaima, Neil David, Sr., Native American Painting, Milland Lomakema