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Katsina Carvers
November 1–5, 1999

The sixth Native American Artist Convocation convened at the IARC on November 1 through 5, 1999. Facilitated by Research Associate Barton Wright, the convocation focused on traditional Hopi kachina carving. The nine participants were all accomplished contemporary carvers, representing a broad range of age and experience. Although all the artists were male and from the Hopi tribe, this convocation marked the first time they had met specifically for the purpose of discussing their work. For some, it was the first time they had ever talked with another carver about their art.

“You can never use anyone else’s tools, it doesn’t come out the same.”
—Silas Roy, Katsina Carver

The group quickly established a rapport for the five days of intense conversation designed to create a snapshot and cross-section of kachina carving at this historical moment. Shifting easily from English to the Hopi Language and back again, the discussion revolved around an extensive list of questions and topics:

Technique: How do you carve? With what tools? What kind of paint? Do you make flat, cylindrical, carved face, or cradle dolls?
Intention and philosophy: What is the relationship between sacred and secular carvings? What cannot be carved and sold as art? What constitutes a tihu, a doll, or a carving?

The business of art: what are the effects of marketing, judging, dealers, and collectors? How is self-promotion, signing, competition or cooperation viewed?

Perhaps most importantly, the convocation participants discussed how traditional values and skills are to be passed to the next generation. Several of the participants first learned their art from their fathers, who were also carvers, while others came to their creative work later in life.

Participants

Barton Wright, Facilitator
Research Associate, Indian Arts Research Center

Daniel Dewakuku
Hano Village, First Mesa

Armand Fritz
Walpi Village, First Mesa

Joseph Gash
Hotevilla Village, Third Mesa

Philbert Honanie
Hotevilla Village, Third Mesa

Marlon Huma
Hano Village, First Mesa

Alfred “Bo” Lomahquahu
Bacavi, Third Mesa

Lester Quanimptewa
Mishongnovi Village, Second Mesa

Silas Roy
Moenkopi Village, Third Mesa

Bertram Tsavadawa
Old Oraibi, Third Mesa