The artist described his painting as follows:

"The Awatovi Warrior is an adaptation of mural designs painted on kiva walls between 1100-1400AD in the ancient village of Awatovi.

The enemies are all around the warrior in the heat of battle.  In Hopi, the Sun Clan warriors are the first to go into action against intruders.

The Hopi people work hard for survival by performing ceremonies correctly and by maintaining the proper way of life. The Supreme Deity rewards the people by providing plenty of snow and rain for healthy crops.

Below the warrior are water jugs symbolizing moisture for the crops.  The turtle represents the water clan and can also represent fertility and germination.  The ears of corn are the sacred Mother Corn, the giver of life."