Raymond Sequaptewa: Bracelet

Raymond Sequaptewa 

Raymond Sequaptewa 

Here is a bracelet by Raymond Sequaptewa, whose work ranks among the greatest contemporary artists and resides in the best museums and galleries. 

This piece features a theme based on antelope horn but which also evokes Avanyu, the great water serpent which is credited with saving the Zuni tribe in ancient tales. The coloration is brilliant with a rich dark blue turquoise and a dark red coral offset by abalone shell, heishi "eyes," and some gold as well as a bit of brass. This is a piece that fills the heart and soul. It is so powerful and fabulous.

Raymond Sequaptewa is a medicine man, healer and visionary. His jewelry is dramatically one-of-a-kind, totally original in character. Surely it can never be confused with anyone else’s work. For Raymond, creating jewelry goes beyond artistry; his jewelry is prayers, thoughts to make life better.  His work is quite imaginative even magical. Healing is a significant theme although it isn’t always just about healing.  Sometimes, his work depicts things he sees in nature or human nature. There is a strong spiritual, even mystical quality pervading everything he does. 

Charles Loloma was Raymond Sequaptewa's mentor and teacher. His deep, artful, Hopi jewelry style is certainly reminiscent of old-time Hopi greats like Charles Loloma and Preston Monongye who shared their vision of the world rather then conform to the accepted norm of the period. Like Monongye and Loloma, Sequaptewa takes Southwest Jewelry in a direction all his own, and is impressively unique. Raymond Seqaptewa's visions and his dreams appear in his art. As a result, Raymond Sequaptewa jewelry is a felt experience as much as it is visual.