Harvey Begay (1938-2009) Harvey Begay was born in 1938 in Tuba City, Arizona, the son of Kenneth Begay, who was often referred to as the Charles Loloma of Navajo jewelry. When Kenneth became a partner in The White Hogan, a shop in Scottsdale, Arizona, Harvey attended Scottsdale High while his father worked there. He then went on to graduate from Arizona State University with a degree in Aerospace Engineering in 1961. Harvey became a Navy flight officer and was a test pilot for McDonnell Douglas in St. Louis, testing the Phantom Jet. During one of the test flights, Harvey had to eject from the plane due to electrical power failure and was lucky enough to survive. Following the life-altering plane crash, Harvey’s resilience and dedication to his craft shone through. He felt a strong pull to return to his roots in silversmithing with his Father, leading him to Steamboat, Colorado. In 1979, he made his way back to Phoenix, Arizona, where he began a fruitful collaboration with Lovena Ohl. A memorable moment in the gallery was when Lovena asked Harvey to make sterling silver goblets, and Harvey, who had never made goblets before, initially declined. However, Lovena encouraged him, saying that he was as talented as his father. Harvey eventually made the goblets, and they turned out stunning. Harvey was among the first jewelers to use lost-wax designs with extreme details and create a high-end line of hand-fabricated, one-of-a-kind museum pieces. Over the years, he evolved as a high-end and sophisticated jeweler, exemplifying wearable art. Sadly, Harvey passed away in 2009, leaving behind cherished memories of his exceptional friendship and artistry. Before his passing, he established the “Harvey A. Begay Memorial Scholarship” at Arizona State University. The scholarship helps American Indian undergraduate students pursue their degrees and is still active today. To donate to the scholarship, please contact ASU at 480-727-7448. –William Faust II
The Hopi Origin Story and Traditions originate with the powerful Emergence story. Each Hopi clan possesses different animals, which emerged from the third way of life and transitioned into the fourth. The Hopi people recount numerous tales of being bestowed corn kernel and water by Màasaw, the Master of the Third World. Upon entering the Fourth World, people were presented with corn. While many selected the largest cobs, the Hopi purposely chose the smaller cobs to showcase their humility. In response, the Great Spirit granted them their language and the group name “Hopi,” signifying peaceful little ones. Hopi life revolves around agriculture, particularly corn, which embodies humility, cooperation with the Earth God, respect, and stewardship of Earth.
There are five brightly colored types of corn grown on the Hopi reservation still today. You may see jewelry, paintings, pottery, sculpture, and other media of corn. There are many different meanings behind this symbol: the six geographical directions:
Yellow (Daguz Qa-o): Northwest
- Freshest to consume
Red Corn (Bala Qa-o): Southeast
- Parch corn
Blue Corn (Sagwab Qa-o): Southwest
- Piki Bread
- Cookies
- Tortillas
- Corn Meal
White Corn (QoojaQa-o): Northeast
- Dried to use kernels to make hominy through boiling.
- Whole dried kernel mixed with bean sprouts for the Bean Dance.
- Used as tamal dough.
- Can be used for cornmeal
Purple: Up, Speckled: Down
One of Charles Loloma’s most unique jewelry pieces is the Corn Maidens. Although some people might think they resemble quails, they actually represent a Hopi Maiden. Her presence in the Kachina dance is a prayer for corn, honoring Mother Earth and her ability to feed her children. This Corn Maiden, a 14k gold pendant, is adorned with coral, turquoise, lapis, and ironwood. Charles rarely added hair to his Maidens. William Faust II
Charles Loloma 14k gold and sterling silver “Corn Row” or “Ear Of Corn” bracelets from the 1970s.
Corn is at the heart of Hopi life and rituals. It is the sustenance of the Hopi people, physically and spiritually, and is integrated into every aspect of their lives. Corn is used in many ways to create food, from piki bread to blue corn dumplings (pevelpiki). The corn is used to make ceremonial hominy stew, to wrap cornmeal with various meats using the leaves, to create various types of ground corn puddings using the husks, and to wrap prayer feathers. The kernels are ground into fine cornmeal used in countless dishes. It is rare to find a Hopi meal that does not include corn. A perfect ear of white corn is placed with a newborn baby to symbolize the Hopi connection to corn. A child is given another perfect ear of white corn during their initiation. Cornmeal is used for prayer, to feed the spirits, and in every ceremony. The ceremonies and prayers are for moisture to ensure good crops of corn and other vegetables to sustain Hopi life. And finally, at the end of life, cornmeal is used to send a person off on their journey to the next world.Sonwai (Verma Nequatewa)