This style of work began to evolve around 1970 and was accelerated when Hopis were not allowed to sell katsinas that had migratory bird feathers - not even of those birds which could be legally hunted, like ducks. While some carvers worked with grouse, pheasant and pigeon feathers, others found a receptive audience for carved wooden feathers, which were not susceptible to damage from moths and crickets. In time very highly detailed work emerged, along with the concept of 'one piece carvings' - dolls which were carved without anything being carved separately and added on. (the problem is that cottonwood root is soft and carving an arm out across the grain was structurally unsound so most "one piece" dolls will have items carved separately and then attached - like bows or protruding mouths.)
In any event, while a return to the older style carving has diminished the number of carvings working in this style, many still do (and many carve both styles).

A Kwaahu (Eagle) by Andrew Sahmie, Hopi-Tewa from First Mesa. This one is 4.75 inches high and $600. (SANTA FE)

A Sakwa’ahote or Blue Chasing Star katsina by Wendell Silas. It is 8 5/8 inches high and $1,275. (SANTA FE)

The Sakwahote or Blue Ho’te and the Sikyahote (Yellow Ho’te) are said by many Hopi to represent the spirit of the Plains Indians. Others associate them with shooting stars.

A Mongwa (Owl) katsina by Cedric Honyumptewa. 11 inches tall. Really great motion in this one. $1600. The Navajo clown was carved by Carl Sulu. 12 inches tall. $875 (BOTH IN TUCSON)

Both by Wendell Silas-Yazzie, A Yongötsina (Turtle) katsina. If you look closely you can see that he is carrying not one but two katsina doll gifts. Wendell’s work always has surprising details. 9 inches tall. SOLD. The So-wing (Deer) katsina stands 7.5 inches tall. $475 (BOTH in SANTA FE)



A Talavai’i katsina carved by Nate Jacobs of the Tobacco Clan from Second Mesa. $875 (SANTA FE)

The Tsili or Chile katsina in the two photos at right was made by Lester Quanimptewa. 7 inches high and $500. The Koyemsi (Mudhead) katsina carving a Mudhead katsina doll is a recent work by Andrew Sahmie Sr. 5 inches tall. $725. (Both in SANTA FE)

The Haniya above was carved by Andrew Sahmie Sr. In his hands are gifts that will be given out during the ceremony. It is approximately 11.25 inches high and $1,275. (Santa Fe)

By Andrew Sahmie Sr, a Koyemsi or Mudhead wearing a Santa hat. He is 8.75 inches high and is $750. (SANTA FE)

A Pang (Mountain Sheep) katsina by Andrew Sahmie. It stands 11.25 inches tall. $1200. Also by Andrew is this Koshare playing horseshoes. 10.25 inches tall. He has decided that by moving up on the post will improve his chances. 10 inches high, including base. $975. (BOTH IN SANTA FE)

A magnificent Mongwa Mana or Owl Maiden by Wayne Poleahla. This one is 11.5 inches high and $1,100. (SANTA FE)

Though he resolutely refused to take credit, the late Brian Honyouti (1947-2016) of Paakavi village was the person who began the highly detailed style of katsina carving, often referred to as “one piece” carvings. This miniature Sakwa Honan or Blue Badger with the face of the Brown Badger on the back of the base is essentially a “one piece” carving, the exception being the rattle top. To make the impossible possible he did things like making sure the feathers of the Badger on the base touch the feet of the fox pelt of the Blue Badger. I used to watch him carve when I came up for a visit…an amazing process that combined great talent with great patience. In the 4th photo at the base, next to the Brown badger you can see -if you look carefully- his initials. 8 inches tall and $975. (TUCSON)

Tsakwyna - one of the warrior katsinas. By Jon Gaseoma. 6.75 inches tall and $500. The Yaapa or Mockingbird is by Andrew Sahmie. It stands 10.5 inches tall and is $1100. (SANTA FE)

A Toho or Mountain Lion, by Lee Grover Jr, carved in 1997. 11 inches tall. $1275 (TUCSON) A Pookanghoya, one of the Warrior Twins, by Leon Myron. 14 inches tall. $675 (TUCSON)

Andrew Sahmie carved the beautiful Butterfly Maiden with her gourd and rasp, with a base of the flowers the butterfly pollinates. 9 inches tall and $875. (TUCSON)

A matched pair of Kwaakatsinas or Eagle Katsinas by Ned Bert. 15 inches tall. BOTH SOLD each. (TUCSON)

A Koshare (Koyala) with his medical marijuana…. Click on the images to better appreciate the exceptional detail and his expression. 10.5 inches tall including the base, it was carved by Hopi carver Richard Gorman. 9.25 inches tall. $975. (SANTA FE)

A Wupa’akatsina by Andrew Sahmie Sr from First Mesa. 9.5 inches high, including the base. $600. Tsakurshmana or Yellow Corn Maiden as she appears during the Niman or Home Dance, carrying her rasp and gourd resonator. By Tim Talawepi. 12 inches high. SOLD. A Kwiwilyaqa or Mocking katsina in his usual inappropriate footwear…10.75 inches tall and $950. (SANTA FE)

A very determined Koshare basketball player, by Sherald Holguin. 5.5 Inches high, including base. $525.(SANTA FE)