This style of work began to evolve around 1970 and was accelerated when Hopis were not allowed to sell katsinas that had migratory bird feathers - not even of those birds which could be legally hunted, like ducks. While some carvers worked with grouse, pheasant and pigeon feathers, others found a receptive audience for carved wooden feathers, which were not susceptible to damage from moths and crickets. In time very highly detailed work emerged, along with the concept of 'one piece carvings' - dolls which were carved without anything being carved separately and added on. (the problem is that cottonwood root is soft and carving an arm out across the grain was structurally unsound so most "one piece" dolls will have items carved separately and then attached - like bows or protruding mouths.)
In any event, while a return to the older style carving has diminished the number of carvings working in this style, many still do (and many carve both styles).
No wonder this Sio Hilili by Ryan Gashweseoma took a prize at this year’s Santa Fe Indian Market competition. $1600. (SANTA FE)
A Kwaahu (Eagle) by Andrew Sahmie, Hopi-Tewa from First Mesa. This one is 4.75 inches high and $600. (SANTA FE)
This is a real tour de force of the unique level of detail that Shawn Deel brings to his work. He made the silver conchos, added a shell bead bracelet, put together a necklace with jocla, included the fringed bands on the bow, stiffened the fabric to create motion, added a tiny turtle shell to the right leg and made a silver bell for the other leg. Amazing work. $850. (SANTA FE)
A Sakwa’ahote or Blue Chasing Star katsina by Wendell Silas. It is 8 5/8 inches high and $1,275. (SANTA FE)
The Sakwahote or Blue Ho’te and the Sikyahote (Yellow Ho’te) are said by many Hopi to represent the spirit of the Plains Indians. Others associate them with shooting stars.
A Mongwa (Owl) katsina by Cedric Honyumptewa. 11 inches tall. Really great motion in this one. $1600. The Navajo clown was carved by Carl Sulu. 12 inches tall. $875 (BOTH IN TUCSON)
Both by Wendell Silas-Yazzie, A Yongötsina (Turtle) katsina. If you look closely you can see that he is carrying not one but two katsina doll gifts. Wendell’s work always has surprising details. 9 inches tall. SOLD. The So-wing (Deer) katsina stands 7.5 inches tall. $475 (BOTH in SANTA FE)
A Talavai’i katsina carved by Nate Jacobs of the Tobacco Clan from Second Mesa. $875 (SANTA FE)
The Tsili or Chile katsina in the two photos at right was made by Lester Quanimptewa. 7 inches high and $500. The Koyemsi (Mudhead) katsina carving a Mudhead katsina doll is a recent work by Andrew Sahmie Sr. 5 inches tall. $725. (Both in SANTA FE)
The Haniya above was carved by Andrew Sahmie Sr. In his hands are gifts that will be given out during the ceremony. It is approximately 11.25 inches high and $1,275. (Santa Fe)
By Andrew Sahmie Sr, a Koyemsi or Mudhead wearing a Santa hat. He is 8.75 inches high and is $750. (SANTA FE)
A Pang (Mountain Sheep) katsina by Andrew Sahmie. It stands 11.25 inches tall. $1200. Also by Andrew is this Koshare playing horseshoes. 10.25 inches tall. He has decided that by moving up on the post will improve his chances. 10 inches high, including base. $975. (BOTH IN SANTA FE)
