Otis Polelonema facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Otis Polelonema
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| Born | February 21, 1902 Hopi Reservation, Shongopovi, Navajo County, Arizona, U.S.
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| Died | December 27, 1981 (aged 79) |
| Nationality | Hopi |
| Other names | Lomadamocvia, Lomada-moc-via, Springtime |
| Occupation | Artist, musician |
| Known for | Painting, weaver, song composer |
| Spouse(s) | Jessie Salaftoche |
| Children | 6 |
Otis Polelonema (1902–1981) was a talented Hopi artist. He was a painter, illustrator, and weaver. He also composed songs and was an educator. Otis lived most of his life in a place called Shongopovi. His native name in the Hopi language was Lomadamocvia, which means "springtime". He even worked on big art projects for the government, creating murals.
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About Otis Polelonema
Otis Polelonema was born on February 21, 1902. He was born on the Hopi Reservation in Shongopovi, Arizona. In the Hopi language, this place is called Songòopavi.
Otis learned to weave from his father and uncles. In Hopi culture, it's a tradition for men to be weavers. When he was younger, and again later in life, Polelonema worked as a sheep farmer.
His Art Education
In 1914, Otis went to the Santa Fe Indian School. There, he took extra art classes after school. These classes were at Elizabeth Willis DeHuff's house. He studied alongside other famous artists like Fred Kabotie and Awa Tsireh.
Otis stayed in Santa Fe until 1920. After that, he returned to his hometown.
Family Life and Later Years
In 1925, Polelonema married Jessie Salaftoche. They had six children together. One of his sons, Tyler Polelonema, also became a well-known artist.
Otis stopped painting in the 1970s. He then focused more on Hopi traditions and cultural arts. Later in his life, he composed songs for Hopi ceremonial dances. This included songs for the Gray Flute society. In 1971, he taught Hopi weaving at a school in Sedona.
Death and Artistic Legacy
Otis Polelonema passed away on December 27, 1981. He died in Shongopovi during the Solstice Ceremony. Some records sometimes say he died in 1972, but 1981 is the widely accepted date.
Otis Polelonema's artwork is kept in many important museum collections. You can find his paintings at places like the Heard Museum, the Gilcrease Museum, and the National Museum of the American Indian. His work is also part of a special collection at Yale University's Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library.
