Jim Fred Hahay’iwuuti

Jim Fred was one of the most important Hopi carvers in the 1980s and 90s. Along with the Alvin James Makya and the Honyouti brothers, he was one of the major figures in moving towards the fine art carving of katsinam. This doll has both acrylic paints and stain, indicating that it was a transition-era carving, probably from the early 1980s. By the late 80s, Jim Fred was using muted, stain paints exclusively.

 This carving of Hahay’iwuuhti or the Grandmother katsina has exceptional detail. Note the interesting bird-headed wand in the carving’s right hand, and the real water gourd in her left hand. I’ve never seen a bird wand like this on any other carving. She is 9 ¾” tall, including the base, but not the white feather.