Otis Polelonema
Hopi painter, illustrator, weaver, song composer, and educator (1902–1981)
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Otis Polelonema (1902–1981), was a Hopi painter, illustrator, weaver, song composer, and educator.[1][2] He lived in Shongopovi most of his life.[3] He also worked as a WPA artist in the mural division.[4][5] His native name in the Hopi language is Lomadamocvia which translates to "springtime".[6]
Lomada-moc-via,
Springtime
Otis Polelonema | |
|---|---|
| Born | February 21, 1902 Hopi Reservation, Shongopovi, Navajo County, Arizona, U.S. |
| Died | December 27, 1981 (aged 79) |
| Other names | Lomadamocvia, Lomada-moc-via, Springtime |
| Citizenship | Hopi Tribe |
| Occupations | Artist, musician |
| Known for | Painting, weaver, song composer |
| Spouse | Jessie Salaftoche |
| Children | 6 |
Biography
Otis Polelonema was born on February 21, 1902, the Hopi Reservation in Shongopovi (Hopi: Songòopavi), Arizona.[7][3] He learned to weave from his father and uncles, as it is tradition in Hopi culture for the men to be weavers.[3] Polelonema worked as a sheep farmer in his early life and again in later life.[6]
In 1914, he attended the Santa Fe Indian School, under the supervision of John DeHuff.[6] Polelonema took after-school art instruction classes at Elizabeth Willis DeHuff's house, studying alongside Fred Kabotie, Velino Shije Herrera, Awa Tsireh, and others.[6][8] He remained in Santa Fe until 1920, then returned to his hometown.[4][6]
In 1925, Polelonema married Jessie Salaftoche, and together they had 6 children.[6] His son Tyler Polelonema is a noted artist.[6]
Polelonema stopped painting in the 1970s, and started to focus on Hopi traditions and Hopi cultural arts.[6] In late life, he worked as a song composer of Hopi ceremonial dances, including songs of the Gray Flute society.[6] He taught Hopi weaving in 1971 at Mary Pendleton's Pendleton Fabric Craft School in Sedona, Arizona.[3]
Death and legacy
Otis died on December 27, 1981, at Shungopovi, during the Solstice Ceremony.[6][9] However, sometimes 1972 is attributed as his year of death.[10]
Polelonema's artwork can be found in museum collections, including at the Heard Museum,[11] Gilcrease Museum,[12] McNay Art Museum,[13] New Mexico Museum of Art (formerly Museum of New Mexico Art Gallery),[14] National Museum of the American Indian,[15] and the Detroit Institute of Arts museum.[16] His work is also part of the Elizabeth Willis DeHuff Collection of American Indian Art at Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Yale University.[17][18]
Publications
- DeHuff, Elizabeth Willis (1922). Taytay's Tales, collected and retold. Fred Kabotie (illustrator), Otis Polelonema (illustrator). New York City, NY: Harcourt, Brace and Company.