Hopi Kachina Dolls and their Carvers

by Theda Bassman, Gene Balzer

Kachina dolls are carved from cottonwood by Hopi artists in Arizona to represent the many spirits of their religion. Old examples are preserved at the Heard Museum in Phoenix and most of the important Indian museums nationally. Today, modern Hopi artists continue to make exquisite Kachina dolls, and they have become very sought after by a growing number of collectors world-wide. The reader of this new book is able to grasp the art of Kachina wood carvings, and enjoy knowledge behind each doll, through the carvers who make them. The book beautifully illustrates contemporary Kachina dolls with over 150 exquisite color photographs, and delves into the lives of the carvers who make them. Twenty-five of today's important Kachina carvers have been interviewed personally for a first-hand glimpse into their work. Discussions with Cecil Calnimptewa, Von Monongya, and Loren Phillips, to name just a few, bring to life the essence behind their carvings. All who are interested in Southwestern crafts and art in general will appreciate these beautiful art works carved by such interesting people.

Genres: Art

192 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1991

Reviews

[Kerry Pickens · Rating 5 out of 5]

These dolls are wild and the artists have incredible imaginations.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have many hundreds of books and magazines on various types of woodworking, and this is one of my favorites. Theda Bassman has beautifully photographed some of the finest Native American art, by 25 of the best Hopi carvers of the late 1980s. She has also included interviews with each of these carvers. These interviews reveal the simplicity of the Hopi, the pervasive reverence of their culture, and a remarkably spiritual approach to an ever increasingly sophisticated art form.

Kachina are supernatural beings who dwell in the San Francisco Peaks near Falgstaff, Arizona. For untold years these Kachina have left their mountain homes to visit the Hopi villages from February through July. The Hopi petition the Gods through these Kachina intermediaries for favorable weather, bountiful crops, and a peaceful, prosperous life. In sacred ceremony, costumed men and women represent the Kachina in song and dance. Similarly costumed Kachina dolls are given to girls and women as prized possessions and religious reminders.

Before the 1975 Migratory Bird Act forbade the Hopi from using wild bird feathers in their doll making, dolls were made of relatively crudely carved pieces of wood glued together, and decorated with feathers, fur and fabric. Since then, with traditional feathers unavailable, the style of one piece doll carving has taken root in both shop and gallery. These modern creations include carved feathers, fur and fabric. This style has become increasingly sculptural and sophisticated in portraying both the costume and representative motions of the ceremonial Kachina. These one piece Hopi Kachina dolls are currently among the finest genre of Native American art, perhaps exceeded only by the North West form-line carvers.

Their work inspires me and amazes me. It leaves me in awe, and with more than a little envy of the ability to combine faith and aesthetics, with a craft I dearly love to create such a magnificent art form that is both new and ancient. I consider these carvings to be artistically fascinating and culturally priceless.

[Mano (Leslie) · Rating 5 out of 5]

My grandfather is a prolific Katsina doll carver, and is featured in this book as well. Please check it out to see the most beautifully and carefully crafted Katsinas and learn of their history and background. My grandfather is Willard Sakiestewa.