Otto Pentewa Navajo Grandfather – Twice Published

This is Otto Pentewa’s version of the Navajo Grandfather with the rather unpronounceable Hopi name of Tasapkatsinmuykwa’am. Otto was one of the most distinctive and influential Hopi carvers of all time. His work had a quirky, innovative, often comic, sensitivity. After Tawaquaptewa, he was the first carver to be individually identified. And he and Tawaquaptewa are said to have sold their carvings together at roadside during Katsina dances. This katsina is 9 1/2″ tall. He is carrying a bow, and is wearing a bowguard, high-top Navajo boots, a concho belt, etc. This carving has been published twice: in my Summer 2001 American Indian Art magazine article on him and in my book, “The Great Tradition of Hopi Katsina Carvers: 1880 to Present.” (see page 41).