Poleyestewa, Chester
CHESTER POLEYESTEWA is a Hopi artist who carves only in the traditional style. His katsinas are the same style that the Hopi people have given to their own children for centuries. He is a well-known carver whose work is sought after by collectors around the world.
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This is the Hopi Male Katsina dancer. The headdress is less ornate in comparison to the female Katsina. It stands 15 inches.
Chester's Katsinas are always made with care and precision. This Roadrunner Katsina has corn husk earrings and a wonderful heshi necklace. It stands 13 inches tall.
This Knifewing is made out of cottonwood root. It has real feathers as ornament and real turquoise earrings and necklace. It stand 15 inches tall.
This Crow Katsina doll can stand upright on it's two feet and can also be hung with the cotton string which is attached to it. It stands 11 1/2 inches.
The soft tones of this Katsina is beautiful. It is made with leather and shell and stands 13 inches.
Deer Kachina: The Deer Kachina is much like all game animals and dances to bring more of his kind. The staff that is held in both hands represents the front legs of the Deer. Deer provided food and skins for clothing and they are seen in many petroglyphs as well as fetishes used by shaman in many tribes.
Shown is the Supai Katsina by Hopi carver, Chester Poleyestewa. He carves only the old-style katsinas in cottonwood root, which can be hung on the wall. This Supai has detailed painting on the sash and a lovely natural turquoise necklace.
Wu-Utii-Maua Katchina. Chester Poleyestewa has recently brought a new collection to us at the gallery. Shown is Grandmother Katsina also known as Happy Mother and the Mother of all the Katsinas. Beautifully carved, painted with a delicate palette of natural pigments and decorated with feathers. She is sweet and smiling, and stands 11 inches tall.
The humorous side of the Hopi dances are brought to life by the clowns or Kashari and the Kaisale. Chester has created this mischievous and funny "Yellow Clown", that is wearing a straw hat, fur for hair, and has his gift sashon his waist and fetish pouch around his neck. Sure to make one smile and a great addition to the Chester collector. This Katsina hangs 10 inches tall.
The Original Katsina Dolls
November 2006, by Chester Poleyetsewa
The katsina doll was and is made for native use by Hopi fathers and uncles to give to their daughters or nieces; primarily the doll is hung on the wall or from the rafters of the house so that it may be seen at all times. The purpose is to teach the child the mask, the outfit and body painting of Katsinas.
