The feather symbol in ancient Hopi designs

Name: The feather symbol in ancient Hopi designs
Author: Jesse Walter Fewkes

By Jesse Walter Fewkes

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About This Book

The essay analyzes the feather motif in ancient Hopi ceramic paleography, surveying its frequent and varied appearances on pottery fragments and altars, the predominance of avian imagery and the use of feather crests on animals and symbolic figures, the difficulty of recognizing highly conventionalized feather forms, and a method of identification by comparing bird representations and the placement of feather elements; it outlines regional variations, notably Sikyatki-associated yellow ware versus other red-ware traditions, and links feather ornamentation to ritual meaning while pointing to more extensive illustrated work for fuller documentation.

About the Author

Jesse Walter Fewkes

Jesse Walter Fewkes was an American archaeologist and ethnologist known for his extensive studies of Native American cultures, particularly in the Southwestern United States. He served as a prominent figure in the Bureau of American Ethnology and contributed significantly to the understanding of prehistoric and historic indigenous peoples. Fewkes is recognized for his detailed reports and investigations, including works such as "Antiquities of the Mesa Verde National Park," which explores the archaeological significance of the region. His research not only documented ancient structures but also delved into the cultural practices of tribes like the Hopi, making him a key figure in the field of American archaeology.