Hopi Pueblo Paralyzed Tuhavi Kachina Doll By Ernest Chapella

Late 20th Century

7.875" H x 3.625" L x 4" W

Hand Carved from Cottonwood Root with Great Fine Carved Details

In Very Good Condition

Ernest Chapella (Hopi, ?–1997) was a respected Hopi katsina (kachina) doll carver known for detailed, one-piece cottonwood root carvings painted with natural or traditional pigments. He passed away tragically in 1997. His works include various figures such as Mudhead (Koyemsi), Crow Mother, White Ogre, Snake Dancer, Whipper, Peacock Turkey, Motsin, and others. Examples of his dolls appear in museum collections, galleries (e.g., Adobe Gallery, Blue Rain Gallery), and auctions. He was active in the 1970s–1990s, a period when many carvers produced signed, high-quality pieces.