|
|
 |
|
|
Augustine is a gentleman and a fine man in every sense. He is a husband, a father, a grandfather, and a keeper of the culture and the
tradition. He is a philosopher, a story teller, and a teacher. When we asked Augustine for his thoughts, what he wanted to say on this page, he paused for a moment and said he would give us something the
following day. As typical of Augustine, rather than a personal biography, he has provided us a glimpse into the spirit of Hopi.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
HOPI DUDUHISTU - In Hopi, duhisa means an exceptional artist and it can also mean someone who can possess great powers, great creative
talents, understanding all languages, understanding the power of nature, and the power of animals.
|
|
|
SUS LOMAHINDA - When something is made in its' true sense, is made with spiritual energy, it has that aura. It has that strength
and you can feel it, even just by looking at it. You know it has that feeling, it possesses that strength and that is positive. That is when you say E'BUS SUS LOMAHINDA.
|
|
|
You have purchased a fine piece of Augustine Mowa's piecework, the artist. I have been making unique overlay jewelry for the
past 25 years. Unique because the concepts and the designs are exclusive Hopi.
|
|
|
|
|
|
The art work proudly bears my hallmark, which is the Sun, Moon, and the Star because I am the Sun Clan. The designs in the jewelry reflects
Hopi cultural and ceremonial influence of my daily life.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
DESIGNS - The designs are arranged for a simple elegant appearance. Many of the designs may represent a specific thing.
These designs are inspired by the Creatures of Feathers, of majestic birds found around us. They may symbolize the Rain, Clouds, Water (always important in the arid Southwest), mountains, and the
animals, the Deer, the Bear, the Wild Trukey, etc. These are always the product of my creative mind. The artistic talent and skill of the Hopi artisan combine to make truly unique and
beautiful piece of jewelry.
|
|
|
|
Freda, Augustine's wife and partner.
|
|
|
|
Since these pictures were taken in 2004, Freda has developed a kidney disorder and receives dialysis 3 times a week. She is on a
kidney transplant waiting list but continues enjoying a life and a house filled with grandchildren.
|
|
|
|
|
|
©2000, Southwest Traditions, all rights reserved; this page or any part thereof may not be duplicated without express written permission of the copyright owner.
|
|
