Neil David “The Palölökong (Water Serpent) Ceremony” Painting

The painting by Neil Randall David, Sr. masterfully captures a highly dramatic and sacred kiva ritual — the Palölökong (Plumed Water Serpent) puppet drama. Typically held in the late winter or early spring (such as during the March night dances), this ceremony is a vital prayer for water, spring replenishment, and crop fertility.

The Screen: In the background stands a decorated ceremonial kiva screen adorned with cloud, rain, and feather motifs.

The Water Serpents (Palölökong): Two large, horned, and spotted serpent puppets emerge from portals on the screen. In Hopi tradition, Palölökong has dominion over water sources and underground springs. During the performance, these puppets are operated from behind the screen to thrash, rise, and interact with the participants.

The Koyemsi (Mudheads) as Caretakers and Clowns: Surrounding the screen are several Koyemsi (Mudhead clowns), distinguished by their textured, reddish-brown clay masks and black loincloths. Koyemsi play a key role in this performance: On the left, a Mudhead dynamically wrestles with or coaxes the emerging serpent. On the right, a Mudhead has been dramatically knocked backward onto the kiva floor by the powerful spirit. At the bottom right, another Mudhead beats a drum to provide the rhythmic cadence for the ritual.

The Central Priest: Standing with his back to the viewer is a central ritual leader or priest. He wears a traditional hand-woven white and red-striped Hopi maiden's shawl (or wedding robe) and a feather headdress as he guides and monitors the sacred event.

Early Masterpiece: Created in 1968, this painting dates to the very beginning of Neil David, Sr.'s professional career, capturing his rapid development of a style that beautifully fuses absolute cultural accuracy with dynamic narrative composition.

Founding Member of Artist Hopid: Just five years after painting this piece, Neil David, Sr. co-founded Artist Hopid (established in 1973) alongside Michael Kabotie, Milland Lomakema, Terrance Talaswaima, and Delbridge Honanie. The group was instrumental in contemporary interpretations of Hopi culture, helping to educate the public while asserting Hopi artistic self-determination.

A Lifetime of Accolades: Neil David, Sr. went on to earn international acclaim for both his painting and his exceptional kachina (katsina) carving. Known especially for his humorous, incredibly expressive portrayals of sacred clowns, he was honored with the prestigious Arizona Indian Living Treasures Award in 2005.

Condition: very good condition

Provenance: this Neil David "The Palölökong (Water Serpent) Ceremony" Painting is from the collection of an Adobe Gallery client

Recommended Reading: Hopi Painting: the World of the Hopis by Patricia Janis Broder.

TAGS: Neil Randall David, Sr., Native American Paintings, Katsina dolls, Hopi Pueblo, Native Drawing, Native Painting, Carving, Hopi-Tewa , Bronze, Neil David, Jr.