Carving Traditional Style Kachina Dolls (Schiffer Book for Woodcarvers)

This book is written for beginning and intermediate wood carvers interested in carving a traditional Hopi kachina-style doll. Tom Moore, a respected kachina-style doll carver for forty years, provides historical information about the evolution of kachina dolls and kachina carvings. He traces the art form from the early days, when the dolls were intended to be educational toys for children, until modern times, when they became wood sculptures collected by non-Hopis, costing thousands of dollars. This fascinating book provides patterns, respectful background information, and step-by-step instructions for carving and painting Corn Dancer, Poli Sio Hemis, and Crow Mother in the traditional manner. Tom’s interpretations of the dolls include the traditional “belly-acher” pose, bright colors of the 1980s style, and the all-wood approach currently favored by Hopi carvers. The book provides a photo gallery, index of terms, and lists of tools used and materials required. Read more