Hopi artist about to retire after 50-year-plus career

Wednesday, July 18, 2007  

After making art for more than 50 years, Rex Pooyouma, a member of the Hopi Tribe of Arizona, is ready to retire.

Pooyouma started making moccasins in 1956, after learning the skill from his father. His works are on display across the country but his last show may have taken place at the Prescott Indian Art Market this past weekend.

"I'm just about to give it up, because my eyes are not so good," Rex tells the Associated Press.

Pooyouma doesn't know how old he is but he figures he is around 93 years old. He fought in World War II, where he served as a Code Talker because he speaks Navajo and Hopi.

Pooyouma, however, never received official U.S. recognition for his role, although the Navajo Code Talkers received Congressional gold and silver medals.

Get the Story:
Hopi Artist Still Crafting Goods (AP 7/18)