Hopi Kachina Dolls – 1950’s and Earlier By Jimmy K (Kewanwytewa)
(Jimmy K) Kuwan Heheya Kachina – Circa 1950’s
1950’s Kuwan Heyeya or Fancy Heheya Kachina. This doll stands 4 1/4 inches tall. There is no English translation for the name. This version appears as the Niman (home dance) Kachina sometimes on the Third Mesa. This unsigned carving was done by Jimmie K (Kewanwytewa).
(Jimmy K) Avatchoya – circa 1950’s
This 8 inch beautifully carved doll is unsigned. The carving style, shape of the feet and painting all point to Jimmy K. The feet and the way his hands are carved in particular appear to be his work. The feet often had a distinctive shape in which they became wider at the front and tapered into where the toes would be. With his dolls the arms are often carved in relief from the body with the fingers individually carved. The dolls mouth is made from a cloth material and he has a coloured cloth leg-band around his left leg. A great doll by a great carver.
(Jimmy K) Ho-o-te Kachina – Circa 1940’s
This great 6 Inch doll is attributed to the great carver Jimmy K (Kewanwytewa) circa 1940. It’s a real good looking doll with lots of character.
(Jimmy K) Koyemsi – circa 1950’s
This is a Koyemsi Warrior Kachina by famous old-time carver Jimmie K. This doll is in good shape. Both arms have been repaired, though, the repairs are very difficult to see. He stands 8 inches tall. The feather in his left hand is a replacement. A beautifully painted doll.
(Jimmy K) Kwa or Eagle Kachina (1950’s)
A nicely carved Kwa or Eagle Kachina. With a height of just over 10 inches (excluding the base) and a wingspan of about 13 inches this is an imposing well carved doll by the legendary Jimmy K.
(Jimmy K) Pack Rat (1940’s)
This 1940’s doll is an unsigned Jimmy K, however has the style, painting and the presence of his work. He also holds the bow in the left hand a common feature of many older Jimmy K. dolls. He’s an imposing 11 inches tall in really great overall condition except for a repair to his right foot that is not really noticeable unless you are looking for it. A real beauty!!
(Jimmy K) Sia-astasana Kachina – circa 1950’s
This is a nice sized doll measuring 9 1/2 Inches in height not including the feathers. It’s probably from the 1950’s and the patina is really good. The doll is signed on the feet “JK”. It has the expected attributes of a Jimmy K (Kewanwytewa) doll. Unfortunately over time though, the wood has split and as you can see by the pictures it goes from the top of the mask to the bottom of the kilt. In the left hand he carries a bow and in his right are some bags. Despite the crack the doll looks just fine and I’m pleased to have it in my collection.
(Jimmy K) Swaying Man – 1950’s
This is a well done Nayayataka or Swaying Man carved and signed by Jimmy K. The doll stand 6 inches high. It was carved probably in the 1950’s.
(Jimmy K) Tasaf Mana – Circa 1950’s
This Tasaf Mana or Navajo Maiden Kachina stands 12 inches in height.It’s a very well carved with lots of detail in the dress. It’s well painted and the left foot is signed J. K., the signature of the great carver Jimmy Kewanwytewa.
