Hopi Kachina Cactus Doll By Horace Kayquoptewa

ca. 1999

7.5" H x 2.75" L x 2.625" W

Hand Carved from Cottonwood Root with a Bag of Cactus in one Hand and Tongs in the Other Holding a Single Cactus

From a Private Colorado Collection

Excellent Condition

Horace Kayquoptewa was Born in the late 20th century, Kayquoptewa is a member of the Hopi tribe and specializes in hand-carved wooden kachina dolls using traditional techniques. He works primarily with cottonwood root, natural pigments, feathers, and other materials to create pieces that honor Hopi spiritual traditions. His carvings often feature vibrant colors (e.g., blues, reds, and earth tones) and are signed on the base, sometimes with dates like "97" for works from the 1990s.

Kayquoptewa's dolls are in the "old-style" or traditional Hopi aesthetic—simple yet expressive, with arms close to the body, minimal carving for movement, and focus on symbolic details like masks, ruffs, and headdresses. This contrasts with more modern, action-oriented carvings. His work is collected for its authenticity and has appeared in auctions and museum shops, such as the Museum of Northern Arizona.