1970s “Breath of Prayer” Painting

Framed and matted original painting by Hopi artist Milland Lomakema (Dawakema), circa 1970s, titled “Breath of Prayer – Message to Spirit World.” The painting depicts the world as a kiva: a green domed form with a ladder rising from its center, set beneath a sweeping rainbow against a deep blue night sky. White prayer feathers (pahos) and corn meal rise through the scene, sent as prayers to the departed souls in the cosmos, while dark silhouetted figures with raised arms line the upper and lower edges of the composition. Fine white stippling across the surface gives the scene a soft, celestial glow.

Painted with acrylic on canvas. The reverse retains the original typed gallery label with the title, the artist’s Hopi name “Dawakema,” and “(Milland Lomakema).”

Milland Lomakema was a founding member of Artist Hopid, the influential 1970s collective of Hopi painters. He passed away in 2021.

Painting: 22" Width, 28" Height
Frame: 32.75" Width, 38.5" Height