“COMES WITH CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY SIGNED BY MONONGYE”

Preston Monongye (Native American, 1927-1987) was a leader in the “New Indian Jewelry” movement of the 1960s and 1970s. Born in 1927, in Los Angeles he was abandoned at Hopi at age seven and adopted by a prominent Hopi family. Recognized as one of the best Native American artists, Monongye has won over 700 awards.

The ruins of Awatovi in 1937

Awatovi was founded around 1200 CE on a defensible point overlooking the Jeddito Valley on the southern side of Antelope Mesa. Today's Jeddito Valley contains many ancient pueblo ruins but Awatovi is by far the largest and most spectacular. It's not that there's much to look at as there isn't: the excavated areas have been mostly backfilled and there isn't much showing above the surface. But there are broken pottery sherds all over the place, so many sherds that it has been said the residents of Awatovi formed, decorated, fired and then broke pottery non-stop, morning, noon and night for hundreds of years.

Awatovi came into being at a time when the concept of clans was first emerging. It is said that Awatovi was founded by members of the Bow Clan but many other clans came and went over the years. It seems most of the pueblos built in the environs of Antelope Mesa were built by people from the north and east. First Mesa was a form of interface between the eastern people and the western people as many of the clans and societies of the First Mesa area practice rituals similar to those practiced in the Keres, Tewa and Towa pueblos closer to the Rio Grande. They even sing their stories in archaic versions of those same languages. Walpi, Shungopovi and Hano are living examples of that. Some of those same clans and rituals are common to other Hopi villages on Second and Third Mesas but there are subtle differences depending on the physical and spiritual distance each is from First Mesa.”

- the eyes of the pot.

You are looking at a stunning rare (only 24 ever made) Preston Monongye handmade, hand signed and dated Awatovi Mural design etching plate set on a thick high quality wooden wall frame plaque. Notice the amazing etching details on the plate. What a fine piece of story telling art to hang on your wall. It also comes with an Awatovi Mural Label plaque. Without the label plaque it measures roughly 15 1/2 inches tall & roughly 7” wide. It’s very thick as well. I added plenty of pictures including measurements for you to see. Additional measurements and signature are in the pictures. This is a “must have” for you Monongye collectors!! Take advantage of owning a highly collectible Native treasure piece. This piece will make an excellent addition to any Native American collection. Thanks for looking and make sure to check out my other listings.