26 Feb Codex Taawa and the art of Gerald Dawavendewa
Codex is a Latin word meaning “book of laws”. It is generally known as an ancient manuscript that may contain calligraphy or drawings. This was invented by the ancient Romans and was used for official documents, literature, religious rituals, and storytelling.
Taawa in Hopi is the sun and is the life force for all living things. It is very important in the Hopi culture, and you will find the Taawa represented in jewelry, katsinas, paintings and other art media.
Gerald Dawavendewa is of the Hopi and Cherokee tribes. His interest in art earned him a bachelor’s degree in fine art from the University of Arizona. He has worked with the Arizona State Museum, National Museum of the American Indian, and the Smithsonian Institute and University of Arizona Lunar & Planetary Lab. In 1994 through a partnership between NASA and the U of A, Gerald was honored when he was invited to create artwork depicting the Hopi cosmos, a deerskin named Earth Bundle, which few aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour!
Recently Gerald created a 21′ mural for the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff AZ which tells the story of the Hopi astronomy.
Through his art, he works to educate the public about the culture of the Native peoples. Gerald has also authored and illustrated the children’s book, “The Butterfly Dance” and illustrated for another children’s book, “Rabbit Shoots the Sun”.
Tsor’ovi is honored to have Geralds work (prints, cards, mini canvases and Codex Taawa) in the gallery!