Event Details (U.S. National Park Service)

Fee:

Free.

Location: LAT/LONG: 36.000000, -112.000000

Demonstration locations can vary, so when you arrive, ask at Desert View's outdoor visitor center, under the large shade structure, just beyond the north end of the main parking lot. Park rangers are staffing an information desk there, from 9 am to 4 pm (as staffing allows).

Repeating Event

Days:

Every day

Dates:

October 06, 2022 to October 07, 2022

Time:

9:00 AM

Duration:

7 hours

Type of Event

Cultural/Craft Demonstration

Description

Watch artisans at work this week as Desert View's 2022 Cultural Demonstration Series continues, from 9 am to 4 pm on Thursday October 6, and Friday, October 7, 2022.

Cory Ahownewa - Hopi Katsina Carver

Jeff Shetima - Zuni Stone Carver

Cory Ahownewa is from the Hopi Village of Hotevilla, Third Mesa, AZ. He is from the Badger and Butterfly Clan. Cory has been carving Traditional Old Style Katsina Dolls since he was initiated at the age of thirteen. He was taught this style of carving by Edward Seechoma.

Cory only uses paints made from locally sourced earth pigments, naturally occurring minerals, principally iron oxides, that have been used in paints for thousands of years for their natural color. His attention to detail and devotion to traditional methods makes this young carver's work truly exceptional."

"My name is Jeff Shetima and I'm a proud productive member of the Zuni Pueblo, which is located in the northwest part of New Mexico. Zuni is a place that is spiritually and culturally in harmony with the earth and all living beings. We are considered to be very traditional in culture and heritage, with our own unique language. The Zuni community is well known for our jewelry, fetish carvings, paintings, pottery, and other art. 75% of the Zuni community consists of artists who make a living directly from their art.

I come from a family of jewelry makers and silversmiths. I started creating jewelry and carvings when I was around 11 years old. I was influenced by my parents, grandparents, and our neighbors at that time. I learned carving techniques by observing my neighbors who were carvers, but I’m primarily self-taught. My first carvings were made from my neighbor’s pile of scrap rocks!

For over seven years, I have primarily focused on fetish carving due to the high cost of silver and materials for making fine jewelry. I try my best to carve one-of-a-kind lifelike stone carvings (fetishes), with particular attention to detail on their faces. I also add gemstone micro inlay designs to my carvings; this has become one of the most distinguishing characteristics of my fetish art.

Every stone that I hold in my hands must be in harmony with me before I start a carving. Only with good thoughts, energy and feelings will I proceed to carve. This helps ensure that the positive energy will be internalized in the finished carving."

The Cultural Demonstration program provides an opportunity for park visitors and community members to interact with tribal artisans from Grand Canyon's traditionally associated tribes - and for them to share their history and crafts, along with the skills, knowledge, and efforts involved in creating their handicrafts.
This series is made possible with grants from Grand Canyon Conservancy.

More information