“Awatovi Shields” 1972 by Neil David, Sr.

This painting by Neil David, Sr. (1944- ) is a remarkable piece executed in acrylic on board.The core of the composition of this painting features five stylized, circular ceremonial shields aligned horizontally across the canvas. Each shield represents distinct Hopi spiritual figures, clan iconography, or kachina face designs rendered in the graphic, flat-color style characteristic of pre-contact kiva wall paintings.

The upper border is executed in warm ochre/gold tones, while the lower border is rendered in deep terracotta red. Both bands are filled with intricate geometric frets, terraced cloud motifs, and stepped kiva symbols adapted directly from Sikyatki-era ceramics and Awatovi mural borders. This painting is singed N. David 1972 in the bottom left corner. It is also signed in the lower right corner in his traditional signature. 

About the Artist: Neil David, Sr.

While the Artist Hopid collective was formally established in 1973 — co-founded by Neil David, Sr., Michael Kabotie (Lomawywesa), Terrance Talaswaima (Honvantewa), Milland Lomakema (Dawakema), and Delbridge Honanie (Coochsiwukioma) — this 1972 work comes directly out of the foundational period and philosophy that birthed the movement. A primary objective of the group was to study ancestral Hopi iconography — specifically the 15th-to-17th-century kiva wall murals excavated at the historic village of Awatovi on Antelope Mesa — and reinterpret them into modern fine art.

Works from this specific 1972-1975 window by Neil David, Sr. are highly regarded by collectors and art historians. They represent the bridge between centuries-old ceremonial mural art and the 20th-century Hopi modern art movement, honoring cultural tradition while asserting Hopi sovereignty and artistic identity on the painter's own terms.

Condition: excellent condition

Provenance: Displayed in the special exhibit Ancestral Symbols, Modern Masterpieces: Documenting the Sacred Narratives and History of the Hopi People at Adobe Gallery for its 50^th Anniversary Landmark Exhibition in Santa Fe, NM, May – October 2026. This painting by Neil David, Sr. "Awatovi Shields" 1972 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: Neil Randall David, Sr., Native American Paintings, Katsina dolls, Hopi Pueblo, Native Drawing, Native Painting, Carving, Hopi-Tewa , Bronze, Neil David, Jr.