Best Of Both Worlds

By Rebekah Powers | July 2024

Kim Obrzut is a Hopi woman first and foremost. Her contemporary Native American sculpture reflects her identity and her interpretation of Hopi tradition in a way that may surprise you with her boldness. Chimayo Trading has acquired one exemplary bronze sculpture that reflects the astonishing beauty of form for which Kim Obrzut is known, plus her intentional personal symbology.

The gourd is the oldest utilitarian vessel known, and the shape recalls the body of a voluptuous woman, a vessel of life and lineage. In Hopi culture, women are vital keepers of the home and possessions, as well as keepers of the seeds to be used in planting. The life bearing, life giving form of the gourd is the intentional design the glowing golden bronze: Hopi Maiden.

The Hopi tribe lives as “one mind, one body and one spirit, hence: no individual face”. The flaring cape in the bronze sculpture catches light play as it turns and represents a gift from an uncle in the tribe, where men were usually the weavers.

Kim’s greatest influence was her Hopi grandfather who carved kachinas. In her bio, she says when he left the reservation and the Old World, he told her to “Take the best of both worlds”. We feel certain that he would be proud of the Hopi maiden who has become one of the most recognized Hopi women in the world of art through her cutting edge concepts and traditional roots: the best of both worlds, at Chimayo Trading.

If you have had a memorable experience with us in the past,
please leave a review.

Come to the gallery to see where History Meets Art in Taos..

#1 Saint Francis Church Plaza
Ranchos de Taos, NM 87557

575.758.0504

We buy individual pieces or whole collections.

Contact us for the evaluation and resale of your collectible art.
We’re interested in locating relevant collections and original New Mexico artwork for purchase. We buy historic and contemporary relevant paintings, pottery, jewelry, textiles, weavings and more.

Contact us directly to discuss and evaluate your collection. If you’re an artist, contact us about the possibility of selling your art on consignment or direct wholesale purchase.

• Instagram
• Facebook

Copyright © 2024 Chimayo Trading Del Norte | Ranchos Del Taos, 87557 | All rights reserved.