Hopi Painted Wood Ceremonial Tableta Depicting Tawa Sunface View Watchlist >
- Winning Bid: $200.00
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Lot # B568
System ID # 26606145
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Hopi Painted Wood Ceremonial Tableta Depicting Tawa Sunface
Hand-painted Hopi tableta from Second Mesa, depicting the Tawa Sunface, one of the most important symbols in Hopi cosmology. Crafted of wood, leather, and twine, this double-sided ceremonial headdress is painted in bold hues of turquoise, yellow, red, black, and white. The radiating feather-like forms symbolize the rays of the sun and the clouds that bring life-giving rain. The divided sunface at center represents the balance of the natural world—the four colors corresponding to the cardinal directions and the journey of the sun through the day.
In Hopi belief, Tawa, the Sun Spirit, embodies creation, warmth, and renewal. Tabletas of this type were traditionally worn by Hopi women during the Corn and Butterfly Dances—ceremonies invoking fertility, growth, and harmony between people, earth, and cosmos. This piece reflects both the artistry and deep spiritual heritage of Second Mesa ceremonial traditions.
Condition
Good overall condition, with surface scuffing, age-consistent wear, and some edge loss. Feathers absent; leather slightly stiff; light dust present. Paint remains vivid, with strong symbolic definition.
Materials
Wood, leather, straw; hand-painted, double-sided.
Dimensions
16.5" H × 17" W × 0.25" D
Please Note: Soup for Scale in Photo
