Hopi Pueblo Kachina Doll By Samuel N. Kauquoptewa

Mid/Late 20th Century

7.25" H x 4" L x 3.375" W

Hand Carved from Cottonwood Root Holding a Teal Rattle and a Blue Stick with a Feather and Adorned with Yarn, Leather and Feathers

In Very Good Condition Missing Some Feathers

Samuel Neil Kayquoptewa (born 1964), also known as Sam Kayquoptewa, is a respected Hopi Pueblo artist from the Rabbit/Tobacco Clan. He lives in the village of Hotevilla on Third Mesa, Arizona. He specializes in carving traditional Katsina dolls (also called Kachina dolls or tithu in Hopi), which represent spirit beings central to Hopi religious and cultural life. These dolls are hand-carved from cottonwood root and painted with symbolic designs. 

Kayquoptewa comes from a family with a strong artistic tradition; several of his siblings (including Roberta, Darwin, and Brendan Kayquoptewa) are also known for basket weaving and katsina carving. He has earned recognition for his mastery of the form, winning the Award of Excellence in Katsina Doll Carving at the Southwest Indian Art Fair (Arizona State Museum) in both 2003 and 2004. His pieces are held in institutional collections, such as the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City.