Gregory Hill

Hill Tops was started in 2008 as a project for my daughter, Leticia, she and her class were writing letters to a school in Zuni, New Mexico. Leticia ‘s teacher wanted to share some knowledge of a traditional child’s toy. A piece of cotton wood root, or paako, was doled out to the parents. We, the parents, were instructed to make a toy called a riyanpi or spinning top. I always knew about tops i just never made one. My first top was rough and barely able to spin as I was a meat cutter and never carved wood to much extent. I was trapped with the idea in my head that i could make better spinning and more colorful tops so i started making tops whenever i could get the time. I like the idea that i can bring a bit of joy and happiness to this world through my work!! I believe that i can keep the traditional toy alive through my creations!