Hopi Pueblo Lizard Route 66 Style Kachina Doll By Pooley

Mid/Late 20th Century

6" H

Hand Carved from Cottonwood Root with a Blue Feather on Top of His Head

In Very Good Condition

The Pooley family (Hopi carvers) is well-known for producing these Route 66-style dolls. Key family members include are Emil Pooley (earlier generation, started making souvenir-style kachinas). His children are George Pooley (1951–2009), Leroy (L.) Pooley, and Grace Pooley. Many are signed simply "Pooley" or with initials like G. Pooley or L. Pooley. They carved hundreds of traditional and souvenir katsinam, with the Route 66 ones being popular tourist items—often featuring bold colors, minimal feathers, and straightforward designs.

The Lizard Katsina is one of the "Fighting Katsinam." These figures appear in ceremonies to discipline or chastise the sacred clowns (koshare) for behaviors that stray from Hopi values. The lizard represents a particular species and has roots in Pueblo traditions (sometimes linked to Zuni origins as well). Traditional versions are often more detailed and symbolic, with features like earthy colors, animalistic masks, feathers, and body paint reflecting natural or spiritual elements.