$68.00
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Mid 20th Century
3" H
Hand Carved from Cottonwood Root
From a Private Colorado Collection
Excellent Condition
Hopi Kachina dolls (also spelled Katsina) are traditional carved wooden figures from the Hopi people of northeastern Arizona, representing spiritual beings or ancestors that play a central role in Hopi ceremonies, storytelling, and education. These dolls are typically hand-carved from cottonwood root, painted with natural pigments, and adorned with feathers, yarn, or leather. They symbolize rain, fertility, protection, and other natural forces, serving as teaching tools for children about Hopi culture and cosmology.
The "Route 66" style refers to a specific subset of these dolls produced primarily in the mid-20th century (1950s–1970s) for the tourist market along the iconic Route 66 highway, which passed through Hopi lands and nearby trading posts like those operated by the Fred Harvey Company. These miniatures were smaller (often 4–7 inches tall), more colorful, and stylized for souvenirs, blending authentic Hopi motifs with commercial appeal. They often feature bright poster paints, simplified designs, and amalgamations of traditional Kachina elements rather than strict representations of specific spirits. Artisans like George Pooley (1951–2009) from Hotevilla, Arizona, and his sister Grace Pooley popularized this style, signing many pieces. These dolls were sold at roadside stands, trading posts, and gift shops in New Mexico and Arizona, capturing the era's cross-cultural exchange between Native artisans and American travelers.
Condition:
Excellent
Tribe:
Hopi
Year Range:
1950 - 1975
Region:
Southwest
Dimensions:
3 in
Category:
Kachina - Route 66
