Pueblo Wooden Carvings
Rich in tradition, Pueblo wooden carvings are among the most showstopping pieces at the Santa Fe Indian Market. The artists, the majority of whom are Hopi, work in either the contemporary or old style (sometimes both), and they continue to honor the generations of makers before them through their materials and techniques. Carvers often use one piece of cottonwood root, mineral pigment paints, feathers, dried grasses and more that come directly from the earth. They will then hand carve the works with power tools or files and handpaint each piece.
The contemporary style of kastina is defined by a highly realistic look where all of the features and limbs are detailed. Along with mineral pigment paint, the artists use oil or acrylic paint to achieve vibrant colorations in their works. Sometimes the contemporary works break from traditional imagery and show images from popular culture. The Old Style kastina have a simpler form that is often seen as abstract as their bodies tend to be round with stiff limbs. They are decorated with traditional materials and are most often hung when displayed.
“My inspiration comes from my love for my family, culture and life. My drive is to share my Hopi and Pueblo heritage with the world. Educating all who want to understand who we are. Katsina are here for the benefit all of existence. I use cottonwood root to carve, which is Hopi tradition.”
“I was once told by one of the greatest Hopi carvers to never be satisfied with your artwork and that it could always be improved. I still use that advice I was given long ago with my artwork today, and it is what drives me to create more detailed pieces than the last.”
“Uniquely shaped pieces of cottonwood root can be a challenge, but it’s worth it. The Gnarly Root Project is my current venture, honoring the matriarchal societies of Indigenous culture. Stop by my booth PAL S 236 to see this work in progress.”
“My creativity is inspired by the Hopi way of life and the mesas out in Hopi, as well as being inspired by my grandmother. She showed me an old Arizona Highways magazine that displayed my grandfather’s kachina doll carvings, giving me inspiration and telling me that I too can do the same.”
“I’ve always enjoyed trying to capture moments I see at the dances or images from stories in my contemporary work. I enjoy the challenge of trying to re-create natural movement in the wood. Carving in the traditional style also has its own challenges as I try to keep everything natural. Seeing all the amazing work from younger carvers inspires me and keeps me motivated.”
“I am an artist whose heart lies deep within my culture and is expressed through fine traditional katsina carvings. I am using only pocketknives and horseshoe files to shape out the cottonwood root, mineral pigments from the earth as well as various bird feathers to bring my traditional art to life. The inspiration behind my artwork is to continue a long history of Hopi traditions that reflect the various aspects of Hopi life which the katsinam represent.”