Katsina dolls, stemming primarily from Hopi culture, are meant to embody spirits, or impersonations of spirits. Traditionally made of cottonwood root—and often including mineral pigment for color, feathers, hair and clothing—katsina dolls are incredibly significant to Hopi ceremony and carry many religious connections. These dolls are also used to teach children lessons and to pray for rain. In this section dedicated to katsina carvings, you’ll find an array of traditional and contemporary examples that are available for purchase, highlighting the fascinating history and deep connection among the Hopi tribe.
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Blue Rain Gallery
This Hemis Katsina (Home Dance) collaboration by Stetson and Aaron Honyumptewa reflects the refinement of contemporary Hopi carving at its highest level. Through masterful wood burning and sculptural movement, the artists emphasize texture, proportion and lifelike presence. Rooted in ceremony and tradition, the piece carries both spiritual symbolism and technical precision.
544 S. Guadalupe Street » Santa Fe, NM, 87501 » (505) 954-9902 » www.blueraingallery.com
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Buffalo Barry’s Indian Art
Featured here are Hopi katsina carvings, dating from 1880 to the present, offered at Buffalo Barry’s Indian Art. From left to right is an 1880s Hisat; a 1920s to 1930s Hehey’a; a 1930s Tawaquaptewa carving; a 1940s Ho’ote by Jimmie Kewanwytewa; a 1980s Hemis by Walter Howato Hemis; and a 2010 Koonintaqa by Manfred Susunkewa.
(508) 631-2703 » www.buffalobarry.com
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Heard Museum Shop
Award-winning Hopi artist, Kerry David, was born in 1963 at the Village of Walpi, at First Mesa in Arizona, and began carving dolls when he was 7 years old. David is known to use only hand tools in making his one-piece carvings. The Momo (Bee) katsina comes during the Water Serpent Ceremony. By performing this ceremony, it is believed that the bees will bring winds carrying rain from each direction.
2301 N. Central Avenue » Phoenix, AZ 85004 » (602) 252-8344 » www.heardshop.com
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Kevin Horace-Quannie
Kevin Horace-Quannie’s journey with katsina carving has spanned more than 45 years. “I explore new mediums like bronze and glass, capturing the unique textures and spirit of each piece,” he shares. “For me, creating katsina figures is an ethereal process, a way to express profound inner feelings and ensure these powerful deities continue to inspire and resonate across generations, transcending boundaries while honoring their deep heritage.”
waterbirdstudios.com
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Territorial Indian Arts
Territorial Indian Arts has been known for presenting old-style, traditional Hopi katsina carvings for many years. “Now we are representing an estate collection of the finest artists of sculptural carvings of the early 2000s,” the gallery says. Three pieces by Duane Lacapa , seen here, showcase the fine artistry of his work. Lacapa is of Hopi and Apache heritage and a well-recognized carver of the 1990s.
7100 E. Main Street, #3 » Scottsdale, AZ 85251 » (480) 945-5432 » www.territorialindianarts.com
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Mark Taho
Pictured here is Pahlikmana Water Maiden, by Hopi artist Mark Taho. “I create all my contemporary and traditional style carvings with cottonwood root,” the artist says. “Pahlikmana embodies the gift of water, necessary for all life. In my contemporary style, I use various knives, carving tools, and I also occasionally use a detail wood burner. I add color with various natural pigment and mineral paints. Most of my paints are collected myself with some traded with other pueblos.”
(928) 225-1226 » rtaho90@gmail.com » rtahostudio
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Alan Kessler Gallery
Alan Kessler Gallery presents this carved Hopi Palhik Mana (Butterfly Maiden) katsina doll, circa 1920-1930, depicting the youthful female spirit associated with fertility, growth and the renewal of life. The figure is distinguished by its large, rectangular butterfly tablita headdress, painted with stepped and geometric motifs symbolizing fields, clouds and agricultural abundance.
(505) 660-2637 » info@alankesslergallery.com »
www.alankesslergallery.com
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