Phillip Sekaquaptewa facts for kids

Phillip Sekaquaptewa (born May 5, 1948 – died January 21, 2003) was a famous Hopi artist. He was known for his amazing silversmith work. He used a special Hopi technique called silver overlay. He also added colorful stones and shells to his art. This made his pieces very unique.

Phillip was born in 1948 in a traditional Hopi village. This village was on Second Mesa in Northern Arizona. He learned about his Hopi culture from a young age. Later, he learned silversmithing from his uncle, Emory Sekaquaptewa. Phillip became known around the world for his modern and special designs. He often mixed old Hopi pottery styles with new stone and shell work. His art often had strong, blocky shapes. This style became his signature, making his work easy to spot. Phillip Sekaquaptewa passed away from cancer in 2003.

Phillip Sekaquaptewa's Career

His Education and Training

Phillip Sekaquaptewa went to Northern Arizona University. He earned a degree in Fine Arts in 1973. He then got a master's degree from the University of Arizona in 1974. He became interested in jewelry making because of his father, Wayne, and his uncle, Emory. His uncle Emory was also a silversmith and a linguist. They both helped start the Hopi Gallery on Third Mesa.

In the early 1970s, Phillip learned how to make traditional silver overlay jewelry. He trained at Hopicrafts, a business owned by his father and uncle.

Awards and Recognition

Phillip Sekaquaptewa won many awards for his special silver designs. He won at important American Indian Art shows across the U.S. Some of these shows included:

• Red Earth in Oklahoma City
• Santa Fe Indian Market in Santa Fe, New Mexico
• The Hopi Show at the Museum of Northern Arizona in Flagstaff
• Heard Museum Indian Fair in Phoenix, Arizona
• Indian Ceremonial in Gallup, New Mexico

His work was also shown in many magazines. These included Southwest Art, American Indian Art, and Native Peoples' Magazine. His art was also featured in books. One important book was Art of the Hopi by Jerry Jacka. This book is a guide to Hopi silversmiths, weavers, potters, and kachina doll-makers. Phillip also drew political cartoons for the Hopi newspaper Qua 'Toqti.

Phillip Sekaquaptewa's Art and Life

His Unique Art Style

This bolo tie from 1988 shows Phillip Sekaquaptewa's unique style. It uses Hopi silver overlay with stone and shell.

Phillip Sekaquaptewa used a special mix of old and new in his jewelry. He combined traditional silver or gold overlay with his own modern designs. His jewelry often featured old Hopi pottery patterns. He also added color and texture using semi-precious stones and abalone shell.

Using stones and shells was not common for Hopi silversmiths. It was more typical for the Zuni and other Pueblo people, or the Navajo. They usually used turquoise. Phillip's main style used sterling silver, stones, and his own modern designs. He blended these elements to create a new kind of Hopi jewelry.

His Home and Hobbies

Phillip Sekaquaptewa lived in the village of Sipaulovi. This village is also on Second Mesa in Northern Arizona. He worked at his Weseoma Studio. He lived with his daughter Caroline, his son Wayne, and their two dogs, Drexler and Bambi. Phillip loved to attend his children's sports events. He also enjoyed playing golf and was a skilled fly-fisherman.

He was a member of the Eagle clan and also the Snake clan through his mother's side. As a Hopi resident, he took part in traditional Hopi ceremonies. These ceremonies are important parts of the Hopi calendar.

Phillip worked to keep the Hopi language and traditions alive. He supported his Nation by creating new, modern art. His art was deeply connected to his heritage, his silversmith training, his creativity, and his education.

Major Exhibitions

Phillip Sekaquaptewa's work was shown in many important art exhibitions. Some of these included:

• The Hopi Show at the Museum of Northern Arizona in Flagstaff
• The annual Heard Museum Indian Fair in Phoenix
• The annual Indian Ceremonial in Gallup
• The annual Santa Fe Indian Market in Santa Fe, New Mexico