KACHINA DOLL CARVERS

KACHINA DOLL CARVERS are popular on Hopi. Majority of the artists carve Kachina dolls for their main source of livelihood. Carving kachina dolls is a skill each male person has done at one time or another. Carving is a requirement for bean and home dances, then it may develop into a full-time livelihood. Some have mastered the art and are now famous. Authentic Hopi Kachina dolls are expensive and limited compared to imitations.

A full figure doll is considered to have all body parts carved, and is considered the standard. Full figure dolls are usually carved with more details and are priced higher than sculptures.

Sculptures have only been around for a short while. Sculptures are faster to carve as compared to a full figure doll. On sculptures you may carve several dolls figures on one piece of wood and they are normally taller. Majority of the young generation now carve sculptures.

A one piece doll is referred to as one whole kachina with no attachments. All body and other parts are carved from the same wood. These are more time consuming and requires a lot of patience, some carvers are now starting to use machinery to carve, it cuts down the carving by a third.

Following are some of the Hopi carvers, please take time to meet them individually.

1. Keith A. Torres, First Mesa, Coyote and Fire Clan. Hopi. I Keith Torres a kachina doll carver, I have been carving for 10 years and my uncle Edward Poleahla showed me how to carve. My favorite dolls to carve are animals.
2. William James, Hotevilla Village, Rabbit and Tobacco Clan. I learned to carve at a young age and have been depend on carving for a long time. I can do various types of dolls, average size 8 to 10 inches. Full figures only.
3. Elgean Joshevama Jr.  Village affiliation, Lower Moencopi and Oraibi village.  From the Sun Clan uses Sun symbol as hall mark.  Statement; I have won 1st place and honorable mention at the 2003 Gallup Intertribal Ceremonials.  I work on one piece dolls and have been carving for 15 yrs, I use oil base paints.
4. Lonnie Nutumya Jr. Oraibi Village, Kachina and Parrot Clan. Full Hopi. Started from painting kachinas in water colors, then onto carving kachinas. Learned from teachings of forefathers, uncles and other members of the village.
5. Thomas Takala, Hotevilla Village, Greasewood and Roadrunner Clan. Full Hopi. I learned to carve at a young age and have been depend on carving for most of my life. I can carve all sorts of dolls from 6" to 20 inches.
6. Danny Nasingoetewa, Old Oraibi Village, Rabbit and Tobacco Clan.   I like to listen to music when I am working on my katsina dolls, it gives me great relaxation and peace of mind.  I like to work with the texture of the wood, which enables me to detail out my work.  I do good work and wish to do a lot more and much better.
7. Ramon Albert Sr.. Hotevilla Village, Greasewood and Road Runner Clan. Full Hopi. Started at about the age of 15 years old. Made dolls for my uniniated sisters, as a requirement. Carving has become a full time livelihood.
8. Wilbur D. Namingha, Shongopavi Village, Spider and Bear Strap Clan. I learned from my father, as I continue on carving I learned my own way of carving, which is now one piece dolls. I do detailed dolls with a fine finish. I work on mostly animal figures and spiritual dolls. I am interested in doing demonstrations work in other countries.
9. Eugene Dallas, Hotevilla Village, Reed Clan. Full Hopi. I started carving a little over five years ago. I try to use the heritage I have as Hopi in two ways. First, the kachinas themselves provide inspiration from the way they appear and their meanings. I try to capture the appearance accurately and keep in the spirit that they portray. Secondly, I draw on the artistic heritage which all Hopis have. I have come a long way in the short five years, my dolls are collector items.
10. Donavan Seeyouma Scott, Oraibi Village, Tobacco and Rabbit Clan. Full Hopi. Been carving for a while, check them out!!
11. Norman Cuch, Oraibi Village, Greasewood and Road runner Clan. Hopi/ Ute tribe. Been carving for at least 5 years, different types of kachina dolls, sculptures and flat dolls.
12. Aaron Scott, Oraibi Village, Tobacco and Rabbit Clan. Full Hopi. Been carving for about 5 years, sculptures and action dolls.
13. Delford Nevayaktewa, Polacca-Walpi Village, Flute/Deer Clan Full Hopi.  I have been carving full and sculptured Katsina dolls ever since I was 14 years old.  I learned by watching my father as he worked.  I was inspired by the way the Katsina looked as it was finished, so it took me time and patience to learn.    Recently I have become spritually involved while I carve the Katsina dolls.
14. Harry Nutumya, Oraibi Village, Rabbit and Tobacco Clan. Full Hopi. I have been carving for 20 years off and on, learned by trial and error. I am open to suggestions on how we may be of better service and by reaching the audience of Hopi. Thank-you for browsing through our personal profiles.
15. Leonard Tawahongva, Hotevilla Village, Rabbit and Tobacco Clan. Full Hopi. I have been carving for at least 20 years. I carve full figure dolls, all assortment of kachinas. I am a former member of the Hopi Guild. I am hoping to get publicity through the Internet and get more clientele. I have won several awards for my kachina dolls.
16. Everett Tawahongva, Greasewood and Roadrunner Clan, Hotevilla Village. I have been carving for a long time, market was good till a lot of imitations started appearing in the market. Now it is hard to sell your doll, prices are not what it use to be. I am the father of the kachinas, it requires a lot of time and attention, but I enjoy it because we pray and ask from the kachinas for prosperity, good crops, rain and good health.
17. Myron Gaseoma, Sun Clan, Hotevilla Village. I have been carving for at least 34 years, I carve mostly full figures and a few sculptures. I also make rattles and flat dolls. My work is mostly sold through galleries in Sedona and other private collectors. I would like to get paid for the value of my work, dealing directly with the buyers.
18. Marilyn Clashin, Tobacco Clan, Hopi-Tewa. I have been carving these Tewa Clown Dolls for 10 years now. I learned this doll carving from my god-mother (Loretta). I do enjoy making these dolls. It does give me that positive feeling to know that I can be talented in my own way. I think the Internet is another way of helping us (Artist), throughout the world, instead of just dealing with our same buyers.
19. Kenneth Quanimptewa, Rabbit and Tobacco Clan, Hotevilla Village. I like to carve kachin Mana, Hano Mano, Crow Mother and other maiden sculptures. I have been carving for some time and I am active in Village affairs, youth and elderly.
20. Robert Allison, Reed Clan, Bacavi Village.  Started carving about 8 years ago, all carvings done of wood since the disallowing of the migratoy birds.  Started by carving for Hopi ceremonies and now as full time.  I have been attending various art show marketing my dolls, they are of 12 to14" figures, I like to carve full figures as opposed to sculputers.  I plan on carving for some time and hope to create some interest from various collectors and dealers from the art world.   I am open to custom orders of most all Katsinas.
21. Clifton Lomayaktewa, Katsina and Parrot Clan.  I have been making old style Katsinas for 8 yrs.  I like the old styles because of how they were made traditionally, carving style and coloring.  I am glad the demand for old style is coming back which gives me a chance to keep the old traditions alive.   There are a few of old style carvers so I am happy to be of the few.
22. Martin Dallas Jr.  Corn Clan, I have been carving for 10 years, I am learning from my uncles.  I usually specialize in miniature Eagles, Clowns, Mudheads (6").  Right now I am carving on a partime basis as I am also employeed.  I also make rattles, bows and arrow sets and flat dolls. 
    

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Last modified: March 17, 2006