January 10, 2023 FWA First Tuesday: Amerind Presents Carolyn Davis ~ “Hopi Quilts and Textiles—from Utilitarian Comfort to Cultural Artform.”

The ancient communities of Hopi have a rich textile and artistic tradition. Their daily tools, made by hand, have both beauty and utility. The craft of quilting was introduced to Hopi in the latter half of the nineteenth century. From its initial adoption by the Hopi, quilting became an important craft, providing comfort and warmth. As generations have passed, quilts were incorporated into Hopi ceremony and important life passages. As it became an increasingly important cultural artform, fine quilters today apply the rich tradition of Hopi designs into their art. Quil

Hopi Butterfly Maiden quilted by Bonnie Nampeyo

ts have become an indispensable part of Hopi life.

Carolyn O’Bagy Davis is the author of 16 books including “Hopi Quilting: Stitched Traditions from an Ancient Community.” Davis has deep relationships with Hopi quilters and amassed an incomparable collection of their quilts. Some of her collection has been donated to the International Quilt Museum at the University of Nebraska and to the Amerind Museum. Davis helped curate a traveling exhibit of quilts for Arizona’s Statehood Centennial celebrations. Currently, Amerind has an exhibit of Hopi quilts that were all curated by Davis. Come learn more about these indigenous quilters and their integration of Hopi tradition and imagery in quilted art.