Chester Polyestewa, the well known Hopi carver who is inspired to continue the life of some of the rarer kachina identities. It is fascinating to consider the meanings behind the figures, to observe the myriad of details which are clues, and to absorb the intentionality, beauty and design of the art form. Polyestewa tells the stories of Hopi history through his charming and delightful dolls. Much like the man himself, they are filled with light and uplifting to behold.

Read the article on Chester Poleyestewa as previously published in The Taos News >> Kachina carver Poleyestewa
at Chimayo Trading >>

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The dolls stand together looking out, each with their own headdress, or mask, or accessory, a neutral expression and an intrinsic message. Carved from cottonwood root by Chester Poleyestewa, the charm of the kachina is that they carry forward the values, symbols and beliefs of an ever evolving Hopi culture.

Read the full story The Dolls, Dances and Songs Of Hopi >>

Chimayo Trading has just received many new kachinas from Polyestewa, the well known Hopi carver who is inspired to continue the life of some of the rarer kachina identities. It is fascinating to consider the meanings behind the figures, to observe the myriad of details which are clues, and to absorb the intentionality, beauty and design of the art form.

Read the full story Hopi Kachina Dolls: The Magic, the Meaning and the Mystery >>

Polyestewa is one of those enigmatic figures you might imagine in a movie. He is hard to pin down, appearing and disappearing at will. He has a deep understanding of Hopi history and when the time is right, he appears with his warm smiling face and brings his latest collection of dolls along with their history, backstory and meaning to Chimayo Trading.

Read the full story Kachina Stories As Told By Poleyestewa, Part 2 >>

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.

Read the full story Poleyestewa: New Arrivals >>