Poleyestewa
New Arrivals

Chimayo Trading Staff Report | September 2025

New arrivals from Kachina Carver Poleyestewa. Visit Chimayo Trading in Ranchos de Taos or online at chimayotrading.com to see the complete collection of Poleyestewa’s unique and charming kachina’s.

Poleyestewa’s kachina dolls are crafted in the traditional style, reminiscent of those made in the early 1800s. Unlike modern kachina carvings that often feature exaggerated motion and intricate detailing, his work emphasizes simplicity and authenticity, with arms tucked close to the body and carefully considered adornments. Each doll is carved from the root of the cottonwood tree, a material of spiritual significance to the Hopi due to its deep-reaching roots, symbolizing the search for water in the arid Arizona landscape.

Poleyestewa employs time-honored methods to shape his figures. His paints, derived from natural vegetal dyes and mineral sources such as copper, chokecherry berries, jet, and coal ash, are mixed with a temper to ensure the colors resist fading over time. The dolls are finished with natural materials like angora goat hair, doeskin, and duck feathers, with Poleyestewa particularly noted for his exceptional feather work.

“Koshare”- 32” x 13″ x 15″, $2800

His work has attracted prominent collectors, including President George Bush, Lorne Greene, Wayne Newton, and the Bass Brothers of Texas. Poleyestewa maintains close relationships with many collectors, such as a Wyoming rancher who allows him to harvest cottonwood from their property and another who supplies naturally shed feathers from only domestically raised exotic birds like macaws and parrots and ensuring compliance with the Endangered Species Act and Migratory Bird Treaty.

“Crow Mother”- 11” x 10.5″ x 3″, $425

He speaks to us from a place in time when the art form was a central aspect of Hopi culture that we can all learn from today. Come and answer the call of Hopi history as interpreted by Master Kachina Carver, Poleyestewa.

“Red Tail Hawk”- 15” x 17.5″ x 4,5″, $1500

“Eagle” – 15.5” x 17″ x 4,5″, $1500

Left: “Badger” – 12” x 5″ x 3″, $395
Right: “Brown Badger” – 12” x 5″ x 3″, $395

Left: “Male Shalako” – 13” x 10″ x  3″, $425
Right: “Rattle” – 14” x 6″ x 3″, $395

Left: “Male Mudhead” – 10” x 5.5″ x 2.5″, $395
Right: “Female Mudhead” – 10” x 5.5″ x 2.5″, $395

Left: “Turkey” – 10.5” x 5″ x 3″, $395
Right: “Woodpecker” – 11” x 4″ x 3″, $395

Left: “Kisa (Prairie Falcon)” – 11.5” x 6″ x 3″, $395
Right: “Snipe” – 10.5” x 5″ x 3″, $395

Left: “Morning Singer” – 11.5” x 7″ x 3″, $395
Right: “Old Style Badger” – 11.5” x 5.5” x 6”, $395

Left: “White Chin” – 10.5” x 3.5″, $395
Right: “Rooster” – 10.5” x 5.5″ x 3.25″, $395

If you have enjoyed our newsletters and learning about the artists and artwork we represent, or if you’ve had a good experience visiting our gallery, please take a moment to let us know by leaving a review using the links below.

Come to the gallery to see where History Meets Art in Taos..

#1 Saint Francis Church Plaza
Ranchos de Taos, NM 87557

575.758.0504

We buy individual pieces or whole collections.

Contact us for the evaluation and resale of your collectible art.
We’re interested in locating relevant collections and original New Mexico artwork for purchase. We buy historic and contemporary relevant paintings, pottery, jewelry, textiles, weavings and more.

Contact us directly to discuss and evaluate your collection. If you’re an artist, contact us about the possibility of selling your art on consignment or direct wholesale purchase.

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