Lot 114276

Kim Obrzut Bronze Sculpture "Dawa" Sunface Kachina, Ltd Ed 21/50, Signed 2000

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Kim Obrzut Bronze Sculpture "Dawa" Sunface Kachina, Ltd Ed 21/50, Signed 2000

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Current Bid: $225

(11 Bids)

by Ace Of Estates
June 28, 2026 2:00 PM MST
Timed Auction

Carefree, AZ, US 85377

Condition:
Very good estate condition. The face of the sculpture presents beautifully, showcasing the artist's intended multi-tonal patination with no apparent flaws. The verdigris, copper-red, and mottled bronze finishes are vibrant and intact. Reverse side exhibits a central circular area of unpatinated metal, likely related to the casting or mounting process. The back surfaces of the bronze 'rays' show some minor superficial scuffs and light scratches consistent with handling and wall mounting. Edges and points of the rays show minimal signs of shelf wear. The hand-scribed signature, date, and edition number are clear and legible.

Item Description
Weight: 24lbs

A radiant and spiritually resonant work, this "Dawa" (Sun) Kachina wall sculpture is a testament to the visionary artistry of acclaimed Hopi sculptor Kim Seyesnem Obrzut. The piece emanates a profound energy, capturing the life-giving power of the sun as understood in Hopi cosmology. More than a mere representation, this sculpture is a modern interpretation of an ancient and sacred force, translated through the enduring medium of bronze. The central mask, with its stoic and geometric features, is rendered in a warm, earthy sienna patina, while the headdress above bursts forth in a brilliant, textured verdigris, evoking ancient copper artifacts. This powerful core is encircled by nine magnificent, stylized rays, each a study in form and finish. Their surfaces shimmer with a mottled, sun-drenched bronze patina, while their beveled edges are polished to a high gleam, creating a dynamic interplay of light and shadow that shifts with the viewer's perspective. It is a work of immense visual gravity and cultural significance, a signed, limited-edition piece from a pivotal period in the artist's celebrated career.

Emotional and Analytical Interpretation:
Obrzut's "Dawa" is a masterwork of controlled expression and elemental power. The sculpture's emotional core resides in the silent, omniscient gaze of the Kachina mask. Its voids for eyes and mouth are not empty but rather portals to a deeper understanding, suggesting a presence that observes and sustains the world. The symmetry of the rays provides a sense of harmony and cosmic order, yet their sharp, tapering points convey immense energy and dynamism, as if the sun's power is actively radiating into the space it occupies. The artist's choice of contrasting patinas is not merely decorative; it is symbolic. The earthy red of the mask grounds the piece in the clay and stone of the Arizona mesas, the verdigris speaks to the passage of time and the sacredness of tradition, and the gleaming bronze rays embody the pure, celestial energy of the sun itself. It is a sophisticated dialogue between the terrestrial and the divine, tradition and modernity.

Artist Biography:
Kim Seyesnem Obrzut (Hopi, b. 1969) is one of the most important and influential Native American sculptors of her generation. A member of the Hopi tribe from the village of Hotevilla, Obrzut has shattered barriers as one of the very few Native American women working in the demanding and historically male-dominated field of bronze sculpture. She established her own studio and foundry, an extraordinary accomplishment that gives her complete artistic control over her work from conception to the final patina. Obrzut’s signature style is defined by elongated, fluid forms that blend the stylized motifs of traditional Hopi art with a distinctly modern and elegant sensibility. Her sculptures, primarily focusing on the grace and strength of Hopi women and cultural figures, are celebrated for their sophisticated simplicity and profound emotional depth.

Influence and Legacy:
Kim Obrzut's legacy is twofold: she is both a cultural preserver and a bold innovator. By translating the ephemeral forms of katsina dolls and cultural narratives into the permanent, monumental medium of bronze, she ensures their story will endure for generations. Her influence extends far beyond her own work; she has paved the way for other Indigenous women to pursue careers in fine art sculpture, challenging long-held conventions within the art world. Her numerous accolades, including top honors at the Santa Fe Indian Market and the Heard Museum Guild Indian Fair & Market, have solidified her status as a contemporary master. To own a work by Kim Obrzut is to hold a piece of living history, shaped by an artist who honors her ancestors while forging a powerful, singular path forward.

  • Artist: Kim Seyesnem Obrzut (Hopi)
  • Title: "Dawa" (Sun Kachina)
  • Medium: Cast Bronze with multi-tone patina
  • Edition: 21/50
  • Year: 2000
  • Signature: Hand-scribed on reverse "K. Obrzut © 2000 21/50"
  • Dimensions (approx.): 24.1 in x 26.12 in x 3.38 in
  • Weight (approx.): 24 lbs


Flat rate shipping contiguous 48 states: $120.00

Only items pictured are what you will receive. We are not aware of any accessories that are not shown with the unit. If an item requires testing, we do not guarantee long term use. This is an estate item, history is unknown. We are not experts, we do not authenticate items unless otherwise noted. All sales are final. No refunds or returns.

Ref: JPC522 | PD1

Dimensions (HxWxD)
24.1" x 26.12" x 3.38"

Weight
24lbs

Flat Shipping Rate
(Within Contiguous U.S.)

$120.00

Local Pickup
We offer local pickup of your item by appointment only. Once your payment has been processed, you will receive a follow-up email to schedule a pickup time on the specified dates listed below. Detailed directions to the pickup location will be provided once your appointment is confirmed.

Pick-Up Dates/Time:
By Appointment Tuesday 6/30/26 or Wednesday 7/1/26,10am to 4pm

Pick-Up Location:
The Town of Cave Creek, Spur Cross & Cave Creek Rd (exact address will be given after purchase is complete)

Item number:
114276

Ref:
JPC522
PD1
ART710
NAM820
WES550
HOM500
NAM731

  • Dimensions: 24.1" x 26.12" x 3.38"
  • Condition: Very good estate condition. The face of the sculpture presents beautifully, showcasing the artist's intended multi-tonal patination with no apparent flaws. The verdigris, copper-red, and mottled bronze finishes are vibrant and intact. Reverse side exhibits a central circular area of unpatinated metal, likely related to the casting or mounting process. The back surfaces of the bronze 'rays' show some minor superficial scuffs and light scratches consistent with handling and wall mounting. Edges and points of the rays show minimal signs of shelf wear. The hand-scribed signature, date, and edition number are clear and legible.

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ACH, American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $49 $5
$50 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 + $50