About the Artist

Neil David Sr. is a Hopi artist who was born in 1944, the last of the Artist Hopid artists, dying in 2026. David was known for using modern Hopi Indian symbols, working in pastel, gouache and acrylic paint.

David was recognized for his kachina carvings, notably for Koshare figures. He mastered the ability to depict the human body in natural positions with natural expressions, which is why his carvings were widely recognized.

In his paintings and drawings, David frequently depicted Hopi children painted like the Koshare. In addition to his other work, he also illustrated books on kachinas. His son, Neil Jr. learned the artistic trade from his father. 

Just published in 2011 is a book titled Neil David's Hopi World by Ron Pecina and Bob Pecina.  All illustrations are by Neil David Sr.

Neil David Senior, Hopi with a Smile is the name of a documentary filmed on the Hopi Reservation in Arizona at David's home in Polacca and at his studio at the foot of First Mesa.  In this footage he explained the Hopis' Katsina culture as he carved kachina dolls and produced paintings of the Koshare clowns and kachina performers. Galerie Kokopelli in Monchengladbach, Germany funded this project.