Neil David Sr

Neil David Sr. was born on June 4, 1944, in the village of Polacca, situated below Hopi’s First Mesa. He is of Hopi and Tewa descent - his father hailed from the Hopi village of Walpi, and his mother was Tewa, descended from those who settled among the Hopi after the Pueblo Revolt of 1680. Today, Neil lives in the village of Hano on First Mesa with his wife, Dealva. Together, they raised three sons and a daughter, instilling in their family a deep respect for traditional Hopi values and way of life.

From a young age, Neil displayed a remarkable artistic talent. His grandfather, Victor Charlie, taught him how to carve Kachina dolls, and he had completed his first carving before the age of ten. In fifth grade, he studied under renowned artist and educator Fred Kabotie, further developing his skills in drawing and painting. This early foundation in Hopi arts and ceremonial life became the basis of a lifelong creative journey.

After serving in the U.S. Army from 1965 to 1968, Neil returned home and began working full-time as an artist. Recognition came quickly - his work was featured on the cover of Arizona Highways in June 1971. Since then, he has become one of the most celebrated Hopi artists of his time, known not only for his technical mastery but also for his humorous and insightful portrayals of Tewa Hano clowns, which have become signature elements of his art.

Neil David is a founding member of Artist Hopid, a collective of Hopi artists dedicated to preserving and promoting Hopi culture through contemporary art. He has traveled extensively throughout the Americas, sharing the meaning and spirit of Hopi art with audiences far beyond the mesas. His works have been widely exhibited and honored with numerous awards.

Among his many achievements is a monumental 8-by-34-foot mural located at the Hopi Cultural Center. Created in collaboration with other artists, the mural depicts a ceremonial calendar of Hopi life, including the Snake Dance, Basket Dance, Night Dances, solstice transitions, and other sacred rituals. These events are central to Hopi belief, with Kachinas - spiritual beings who act as intermediaries between the human and spirit worlds - playing a vital role.

Neil’s deep involvement in Hopi religious life continues to inspire his work. His depictions of Kachinas reflect their multifaceted significance: as dolls carved to educate children, as masked dancers in seasonal ceremonies, and as sacred beings who maintain harmony in Hopi society. His art is both a celebration and preservation of this spiritual and cultural tradition.

In 2005, Neil David Sr. was honored with the Arizona Indian Living Treasures Award, recognizing a lifetime of artistic excellence and cultural contribution. Today, his legacy endures not only in his own creations but in the continuing relevance of Hopi art in the modern world.