Hopi Ceremonial Textile Weavers

Ceremonial textile weavers are decreasing at Hopi. Men are the weavers of textiles. Majority of the Hopi weavers have learned the skill by trial and error. This is one of the least known art that is taught.

There are more than 15 ceremonial textiles that men weave. Most of them are being imitated by non-Hopis. The imitated can easily be spotted when they are worn. The quality and authenticity is not there, along with the fine designs.

Following artists listed are some of the few weavers left on Hopi. The Hopi is in need of more skilled persons to continue on the traditions of weaving our traditional textiles.

1. Harold Polingyumptewa, Hotevilla Village, Sand Clan. Full Hopi. Has been weaving ceremonial sash belts, and ceremonial skirts for about 15 years. Learned by trial and error, is self taught. The designs on the sash belts are believed to be of a kachina.
2. Willard Masayestewa, Hotevilla Village, Spider Clan. Full Hopi. I learned at around the age of 33 years old. Learned by trial & error, listening to elders and forefathers in the teachings. Hopi ceremonial belts were taught from another older man. Wedding robes are made similar to ceremonial skirts and one can learn and work on these wedding robes during a wedding, these robes are made in the kivas during weddings. I weave mainly for Hopi ceremonial use.
3. Don M. Takala, Hotevilla Village, Coyote Clan. Full Hopi. I specialize in Hopi Ceremonial belts, these are worn both by the men and women. I can make single and double woven belts. I learned the art of weaving from my father and grandfather. I started from small belts to big wedding robes, wedding belt sash and women’s top outer shell, a large robe.
4. Carroll Tawahongva, Hotevilla Village, Greasewood and Roadrunner. I learned weaving at the age of 25 years old. I first started making Navajo style belts, small legging belts, and now more contemporary belts with steel hooks. I have been weaving belts more for ceremonial purposes then for marketing. I would like to see a good source of income generated for members to help sustain their livelihood.
5. Darrell Pooyouma, Hotevilla Village, Sun-Forehead Clan. Full Hopi. I make Hopi ceremonial Moccasins for mans and ladies. They come in various colors, the traditional colors are brown, white and blue. They come with thick leather soles and hand stitching. I learned from my father Rex Pooyouma, he has been making ceremonial shoes as long as I can remember. I have been making shoes for at least 33 years.
6. Joseph Honyumptewa Jr. Sun Clan, Moencopi Village. Full Hopi. I have been weaving for nine years. I started off with the Hopi wedding robe. From there I started on the Hopi kilts. I do it to keep the tradition up and to teach myself more about my culture.

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Last modified: March 17, 2006