Big Frog Prophecy Cuff

Sterling Silver Cuff Bracelet depicting the Big Frog Prophecy by Beauford Dawahoya, Late 1980s.

This sterling silver bracelet by master artist Beauford Dawahoya features an intricate overlay design that illustrates a Hopi Navoti. Navoties are sacred Hopi prophecies that endeavor to share wisdom, and at times, a warning, with all of humanity. At the center of the piece is a large frog whose body encompasses an entire Hopi village. Surrounding elements include a corn plant, a migrating figure, spirals representing migration and water, prayer feathers (pahos), rain clouds, and a sunface.

According to fellow Hopi artist Phillip Honanie, this imagery references the prophecy that "when the big frog croaks," the balance of the world will be disrupted. In times of rising corruption and loss of respect for the sacred, the frog will "burp twice or four times," followed by a massive earthquake, symbolizing a natural upheaval, possibly emerging from the ocean. The frog, then, is not just a creature, but a messenger of consequence, urging humanity to heed the signs.

This rare piece is featured in Hopi Gold, Hopi Silver by Zena Pearlstone (page 124), where it is recognized as one of Dawahoya’s most enigmatic and important designs.

Part of the historic Kopavi Collection, this bracelet has never been previously owned.

1.75” Cuff Width
5.75” Inside Measurement, plus 1.125” opening
(6.875" Total Circumference - Medium-Large)