Nick Brokeshoulder is a Hopi Artist-Traditional Style Katsina Doll Carver.
He began crafting various type “Hopi Katsina dolls” in 1969, and learned this method from my Grandfather-Guy Maktima who was Snake Clan from Old Oraibi Arizona. All work is made with Cottonwood Root and are painted with natural mineral paints, decorated with different types of adornment using: shell, leather, various type Bird feathers, Horsehair and other items. Carving takes roughly 10-15 days per large items at 14-20+ inch dolls / 3-7 days for 10″-13″ inch dolls. Each carving is meant to retain its history and importance in Hopi Culture and Religion. The art of Hopi carving is an ancient craft and this “Traditional Style” resembles the types of dolls made near the late 1880’s. These dolls are not typically “action” figures but are more static and the colors are soft and muted. This painting style is what is attractive to this artform and makes these dolls a unique and valuable art piece for any collector!
