Dedicated to available-to-purchase pieces in the Native American carvings and sculpture genre, this section offers a little bit of everything, from the keen-eyed collector who’s inspired by history and tradition, to those looking for a more contemporary look and feel. While browsing these many fine examples—katsina dolls, hand-built ceramic figures and stone-carved art objects—we hope you find compelling information on the artistic process and unique cultural references, as well as uplifting visual elements that simply make your heart leap.
Winfield Trading Company
Offered at Winfield Trading Company in Gallup, New Mexico, is this one-of-a-kind Zuni Corn Maiden shell carving by Vickie Quandelacy. Depending on the style of the carving, the Corn Maiden can symbolize abundance, fertility, life giver and wise elder. The Corn Maiden is revered in the Zuni culture. This carving consists of green snail shell, lapis, turquoise and coral.
1830 State Highway 602 Gallup, NM 87301 » (505) 778-5544 » winfieldtradingco@gmail.com » www.winfieldtradingco.com
Greyshoes (Upton Ethelbah Jr.)
After participating in the Feast Day corn dances at the Santa Clarita Pueblo in New Mexico for more than 40 years, sculptor Upton Ethelbah Jr., also known as Greyshoes, “is left with indelible images of the men and women, the songs and drumbeats,” he says. He calls his bronze creation, pictured here, The Blessing, because “she is offering her blessings during the last dance of the day,” he adds. “These blessings are for all people, Native and non-Native alike.” The piece measures 17 by 8 by 10 inches.
Santa Clarita Pueblo Albuquerque, NM » (505) 270-8080 » upton@greyshoes.com
Buffalo Barry’s Indian Art
This charming Hopi koona or chipmunk, dated between 1900 to 1920, comes with excellent provenance from the collection of Morris Steggerda (1900-1950), a physical anthropologist who primarily worked with Central American and Caribbean populations. The figure is 71/2 inches tall with the non-attached, wraparound metal base adding an eighth of an inch. Note the tiny teeth on this figure, and there is also an old museum collection number on the back right shoulder. A detailed biography for Steggerda is available online.
(508) 631-2703 » buffalobarry@charter.net » www.buffalobarry.com
Coastal Peoples Fine Arts Gallery
Specific and unique to the Northwest Coast people is the bentwood, bent-corner box or container. It is a made from one single plank of wood through a lengthy steaming process, a method strictly adapted by the coastal peoples. Artist Don Yeomans (Haida/Metis Nations) explains that this red cedar wood piece was started by his friend Larry Rosso before he died. It measures 30 by 463/4 by 23 inches.
332 Water Street, Unit 200 » Vancouver, BC, Canada » (604) 684-9222 » www.coastalpeoples.com » coastalpeoplesgallery
Karen Sixkiller
Karen Sixkiller is a contemporary Cherokee sculptor residing in Washington state. This hand-sculpted ceramic stoneware series of six female figures is dedicated to the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) epidemic, and in solidarity for the effort to overcome and stop the tragedy. Each figure wears a red jingle dress, carries an eagle feather fan and is faceless except for a red handprint. Sixkiller’s sculptural work varies from smaller figures like these, and her earlier beaded sculptures, to large metal public art.
Port Angeles, WA » www.karensixkiller.com » karen6killer
Adobe Gallery
This exquisite carved alabaster sculpture by Cliff Fragua (Jemez) is a masterful work, intricately carved on both sides. It features an inset motif of clouds and mountains, a rarity in Fragua’s extensive oeuvre due to the complexity involved in carving a space in the middle of the piece. This motif is mirrored on the back, creating a cohesive and harmonious design. The figure’s hair cascades down the entire back of the sculpture, adding to its elegance and fluidity. The piece measures at 213/4 by 141/4 by 23/4 inches.
221 Canyon Road » Santa Fe NM, 87501 » (505) 955-0550 » info@adobegallery.com » www.adobegallery.com
Jack’s Antique
This fine example is a wolf katsina by Hopi master carver Keith Torres, of the Coyote and Fire Clans. The carving stands at about 8 inches high. The artist’s works feature fine details, realism, dynamic action and unique bases. He learned to carve from his uncle, Edward Poleahla, and is an award-winning artist as well.
4650 N. US Highwway 89, Suite G014 » Flagstaff, AZ 86004 (928) 526-0696 » jack@jacksantique.com » www.jacksantique.com
Heard Museum Shop
Available at the Heard Museum Shop in Phoenix, Arizona, and among the 400 Hopi carvings in stock, is this Ogre katsina and Zuni Rain Priest katsina by Gene Dawahoya (Hopi), an award-winning carver from the village of Shungopavi, Second Mesa, Arizona. “Ogres act as a disciplinarian of the children, while the Zuni Rain Priest is said to have power over the rain,” explains shop representatives.
2301 N. Central Avenue » Phoenix AZ, 85004 » (602) 252-8344 » www.heardmuseumshop.com
Waterbird Studios
This bronze sculpture by Hopi and Navajo artist Kevin Horace-Quannie, shows the transformation of a boy into an eagle, and is based on a story that was made into a movie by Walt Disney studios, and filmed in Sedona, Arizona, in 1965. “I carved the image from the cottonwood root and then made a mold to make the cast into bronze for a limited edition,” the artist shares. “I used images from pottery and tile motifs that date back to the 1890s, transforming the old image to create the contemporary style of a new carving…” The piece measures at 18 feet tall and has an edition of 10.
(602) 791-9343 » www.waterbirdstudios.com
Blue Rain Gallery
Hopi artist Stetson Honyumptewa, from Moenkopi, Arizona, began carving katsina dolls at age 12. Despite early doubts and a challenging path, he eventually committed to art, and quickly gained recognition for his skill and dedication. His work has earned awards at Santa Fe Indian Market and as well as others. Now in Santa Fe, he continues to carve, preserving Hopi traditions and mentoring the next generation. Pictured here is Hano Mana, made of cottonwood root and natural pigments.
544 S. Guadalupe Street » Santa Fe, NM 87501 » (505) 954-9902 » www.blueraingallery.com
Long Ago & Far Away Native Arts
Inuit stone sculptures have always been an artistic interpretation of the realities of an Arctic environment. This lovely piece, Bear Reflection by Tony Oqutaq, is full of wonder in the expression of a polar bear discovering its own reflection. The online shop, Long Ago and Far Away Native Arts, has a curated collection of the best in contemporary Inuit sculpture from the Northern-most points of North America.
Manchester Center, VT » (802) 362-3435 » longago@sover.net » www.longagoandfaraway.com
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