The circular motif Juan Carlos painted on this skull was originally found on ancient pottery from Four Mile Ruin, Arizona. Figures of birds are prevalent in the ancient pottery designs. The likeness was not that of a well-known bird but an imaginary image. This design was probably created independently by the artist and served an educational purpose. This skull has its original, natural horns intact.
This shield, painted in the likeness of the early American flag, was inspired by an Indian custom. The Plains Indians believed that appropriating the symbol of their enemies brought them strength so they used the American symbol in their clothing and other belongings. This is a smaller replica of a war shield and Juan Carlos has used characteristic felt trim in red to finish the shield's decoration. (However, due to the bells used on this shield, it would not have been carried into battle because it made noise.)
Juan Carlos created this shield to resemble a lightweight ceremonial dance shield. The Tribal bird design, an ancient Hopi symbol, matches that of the skull Juan Carlos entitled "Pajaro Tribal". This shield is fashioned in the tradition of the Plains Indians by bending wood to make a hoop to which the hide is then laced. Such a shield would probably not have been carried into battle but used in sacred ceremonies only.
The design Juan Carlos chose for this skull he also painted on a shield he created, (see "Escudo del Pajaro"). The primitive decorative motif is indicative of the common use of birds in pueblo art. This bird form appears in ancient Hopi tribal symbolism. Many subjects utilized to adorn pottery are taken from textile or basketry designs and so keep their angular quality through continually repeated lines. This skull has its original, natural horns intact.
The circular feather and bird pattern Juan Carlos painted here is originally found in ancient Sikyatki pottery design. This pottery shows little or no duplication in aesthetic design, and every object bears distinct symbols. This ancient pueblo group is believed to have come into Hopiland from the valley of the Rio Grande in late prehistoric times. Making pottery is still an important enterprise in most of the pueblos of New Mexico and Arizona. This skull has it original, natural horns intact.