Marcus Lomayestewa

Hopi Silversmith of the Bear Clan, Shungopavi Village

Marcus Lomayestewa grew up watching his father, master silversmith McBride Lomayestewa, at his jewelry workbench. The precision of his father’s hands, the rhythm of the tools, and the transformation of metal into meaningful art left a deep impression. From an early age, Marcus knew he would follow the same path.

By age 12, he was learning to polish pieces under his father’s careful guidance and crafting his first simple designs from scrap metal. Over time, and with hands-on training, Marcus developed into a skilled jeweler in his own right. His talent earned him a position at Hopi Arts and Crafts on Second Mesa, where he contributed to the long-standing Hopi overlay tradition. Even when working day jobs—including a stint at Hopi Electronics in Polacca—he returned home to make jewelry in the evenings, calling it his way to relax.

Marcus was born, raised, and continues to live in Shungopavi Village on Hopi’s Second Mesa. He and his late wife Ruth raised four children there—three sons and a daughter. Alongside his art, Marcus continues to farm the land in keeping with Hopi tradition, cultivating corn, beans, squash, and watermelons. Although he now keeps a small herd of cattle, he fondly remembers herding sheep with his father and brother as a boy. He often reflects on his mother, Flora, a Bear Clan woman and respected leader of one of the Hopi Women’s Societies. Her tireless work ethic and commitment to community remain a guiding influence in his life.

Today, Marcus is a respected traditional elder and ceremonial leader. He plays a central role in the Soyal Ceremony, a winter solstice ritual that marks the symbolic turning of the sun and sets the spiritual course for the new year. As part of this ceremony, Marcus leads the process of prayer and the making of pahos (prayer feather bundles). He is also a traditional singer and travels with family members to share Hopi songs and dances—such as the Butterfly Dance and Buffalo Dance—through public performances.

Marcus is known for his meticulous silverwork, especially his Katsina designs. These finely detailed portrayals capture both ceremonial movement and cultural symbolism with remarkable accuracy. His father, McBride, was one of the first Hopi jewelers to experiment with Katsina imagery in gold, and Marcus continues that legacy in his own way—most notably through his series of solid sterling silver spoons, each featuring a different Katsina figure sculpted into the handle.

Quiet and humble, with a warm chuckle and kind eyes, Marcus Lomayestewa carries forward a proud family tradition of Hopi jewelry making, deeply rooted in cultural heritage and personal devotion.