Piki Wadsworth

Piki Wadsworth is the daughter of Cheryl Yestewa and Glenn Wadsworth. Her parents were acclaimed artists, known for some of the finest hand-rolled turquoise bead necklaces. Piki was born on April 25, 1980 on Hopi Second Mesa, Arizona. She was born at home and is the third of nine children. She is the only child of renowned artist Cheryl Yestewa who is carrying on the tradition of the gorgeous handmade turquoise beads.

Immersed in the art all of her life, Piki began drilling and stringing beads for her parents at the young age of 10. She soon forged her own path as an artist and rapidly became one of the best Native bead makers today.

Piki lives in Arizona, and she has two daughters and a son. Piki loves and appreciates the outdoors; she spends her spare time enjoying hiking and biking with her family. 

Piki continues to win top awards for her jewelry, including at Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremony, Santa Fe Indian Market, and Heard Museum Guild.

We asked her how she was given the name Piki (a bread made from Blue Corn Meal), “My parents said they found some in my ear when I was born, and they said nobody was eating it and nobody had any around me. So they decided to name me Piki.”  A true story.