Vintage Hopi Kachina Doll Dolls Jimmy Kewanwytewa 4
These dolls were carved by world renowned Kachina Hopi carver Jimmy Kewanwytewa. Jimmy Kewanwytewa's work is highly sought after by collectors and not many have been seen around in recent years. K's ancestors have maintained his simplistic style of carving Kachina dolls.
K became well known while working with historians at the museum of Northern Arizona Flagstaff during the 1940's to 1965. While working at the museum he documented the existence and significance of kachinas. He was featured in a 1949 book by Prof.Colton where he demonstrated "how to carve a Kachina". Kachinas are carved from cotton wood which is considered to be quite soft and light weight.
The surface is usually refined and smooth except when texture is necessary. Each doll is usually meticulously hand painted using natural colored dyes. Many are also decorated with feathers and other remnants from nature. Dolls were traditionally given to girls by male family members at bean planting and home dance ceremonies during the summer. The most important use of the Kachina is to teach children aspects of Hopi religion, beliefs that is rooted in the forces of nature. The four kachina pictured below have been in my posession for at least 5 years.They have areas where the paint have faded but not to a great degree. Two Kachinas are signed J. The other two are unigned, but echo identical style. All but one have broken and repaired parts.
One has a portion of the foot that is missing. Colors on all Kachinas are vibrant. The feathers have stood the test of time. There are many books and articles that detail their characteristics and purposes.The measurement including the feathers is approx. Check out my other items. PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO ASK. THE PICTURES INCLUDED ARE INTENDED TO BE A PART OF THE DESCRIPTION. PLEASE SUPERSIZE PICTURES WHERE EVER APPLICABLE FOR A CLOSER LOOK.
IF THERE ARE ANY LINGERING QUESTIONS PLEASE ASK. The item "VINTAGE HOPI KACHINA DOLL DOLLS JIMMY KEWANWYTEWA 4" is in sale since Friday, April 13, 2012.
This item is in the category "Collectibles\Cultures & Ethnicities\Native American\ US\1935-Now\Dolls & Kachinas". The seller is "jamma456" and is located in Springfield Gardens, New York. This item can be shipped worldwide.
- Artisan: jimmy kew
- Origin: arizona
- Country of Manufacture: United States
- Type: carving
- Original or Reproduction: original
- Product Type: Dolls, Bears & Kachinas
- Native American Age: 1940 to present
- Region or Culture: Native Americana
- Category: Antiques - Ethnographic
- Region, Culture: Native Americana
- Exact Type: Dolls
- Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
- Provenance: prsonal aquisation