1970s “Chief of the Village” Painting

Framed original painting by Hopi artist Milland Lomakema (Dawakema), dated 1976, titled “Chief of the Village.” The composition is set within a circle representing the Earth, framed by concentric bands of coral, gold, blue, and black, against a richly textured background of blue and violet. At the base, a frog and tadpoles swim through the waters, symbolizing the beginning of life. Above them, a row of bear tracks and a spiraling design trace the migration journey of the Bear Clan, guided by three prayer feathers (pahos) and Spider Woman, who appears as a spider on her web. The journey leads to a terraced Hopi village with a ladder at its center, representing the Bear Clan as the earliest to settle the Hopi Mesas. To the left of the village, three human spirits hold blue, yellow, and red Hopi corn. To the right is the evolving Bear, marked with a red heartline, representing the Chief of the Bear Clan.

Painted with acrylic on canvas. Signed “Dawakema” and dated “76” at lower center. Titled “Chief of the Village” in pencil on the reverse. The piece is wired for wall hanging.

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

Painting: 41.5" Width, 43" Height
Frame: 43.5" Width, 45" Height