CIRCLES OF LIFE: Katsina Imagery
in Hopi Basketry

February 7–July 5, 2009

See an Arizona Illustrated video segment about Circles of Life

The katsina [kachina] religion is pervasive in Hopi culture. Many people are familiar with carved representations of katsinam, but images of the beneficent supernatural messengers also appear on Hopi pottery, paintings, and basketry. 

For centuries, basketry has played an important role in Hopi life. Hopi women (and now, some men) continue to produce a wide variety of baskets for everyday use as well as ceremonial purposes. Second Mesa produces coiled baskets; Third Mesa is known for wicker. Weavers from all mesas plait sifter baskets. Non-Native interest in Hopi material created a strong market and since the late 1800s, baskets have also been made for the tourist and collector markets. Katsina imagery enhanced their marketability and thus their monetary value. 

Historic pieces and the work of eight contemporary weavers demonstrate the continuing vitality of this art form. Enjoy an historic overview of the Hopi basket-making traditions, techniques and types, and learn how to "read" and identify distinguishing katsina iconography.

This traveling exhibition, curated by Andrew and Judith Finger, is from the Grace Hudson Museum and Sun House in Ukiah, CA. It includes historic pieces from the Finger collection as well as contemporary examples from the John Selmer and Barbara Goldeen collection. While at ASM, it will be augmented by the museum's own collections of Hopi baskets, pottery, and katsina dolls.

Circles of Life comes to Arizona State Museum through the encouragement of ASM Board Member Robert Piestewa Ames. It is funded by the generosity of Patricia Lowery and the many contributions made to Arizona State Museum in honor of its late Director Hartman H. Lomawaima, who was one of the exhibit's consultants. While at ASM, the exhibit is dedicated to his memory.

Photo Credit: "Circles of Life" book cover by ASM Staff

Special Acknowledgments

Underwriter
Patricia Lowery

Donors
Eddie Basha, Jr. and Nadine Basha, through the Adelante Foundation
Frederick Lau, II
Marilyn Lawson
Dennis Lyon
Arnold and Doris Roland
Karl Ronstadt
John and Helen Schaefer
Benjamin Smith
Richard and Lynne Spivey
Bill and Mary Anne Springer through the Springer Family Fund

And all those who made contributions to ASM in memory of our late Director Hartman H. Lomawaima.

Without your generosity this exhibition would not have been possible. Thank you!