Öntupqa - The Grand Canyon
Gerald Dawavendewa (Hopi & Cherokee)
The artwork depicts layers of time and changes in the canyon from ancient spiritual beings to prehistoric people from 12,000 years ago to the contemporary Havasupai (Havasu' Baaja) people who now call the canyon home. A Havasupai woman stands upon the canyon's rim holding a prayer feather, blessings for all life. Below, the Colorado River flows, bringing life-giving water. Canyon walls rise upward, forming an ancient T-shape doorway found in pueblo homes and symbolizing the connection that pueblo people still have to this sacred place.
The Grand Canyon, located in northern Arizona, is one of the largest canyons on Earth, measuring up to 18 miles (29 km) across at the widest and a depth of over a mile (6,093 feet or 1,857 meters). The canyon carved by the waters of the Colorado river extends the canyon to 277 miles long (446 km).
Acid-free photo paper is used to print the artwork, and smudge-, fade-, and water-resistant inks ensure a lasting print. The 11x14 inch (27.9x35.5 cm) matted print includes a bevel-cut matte, backing board, description, artist biography, and cultural details. An envelope safeguards the print, and matted print will fit a standard frame; image of framed print is included to show possibilities, but the frame is not included.