Cecil Calnimptewa is perhaps
the most well known kachina carver of today. His work has been
featured in nearly ever publication on Hopi kachina dolls and
has been the inspiration behind dozens, if not hundreds, of talented
new artists' work. Whole volumes have been dedicated to his carvings
alone.
As recorded in The Kachina
Dolls of Cecil Calnimptewa, by Theda Bassman "Cecil Calnimptewa
carved and sold his first Kachina doll when he was 18 years old.
Since that time, he has become an innovator, teacher, and master
of the art."
He was born on January 1,
1950, into the village of Moencopi near Tuba City, Arizona, and
is a member of the Bamboo clan.
His work is known far and
wide, as he has received numerous awards and accolades for not
only his skills as a carve, but for the innovations in Hopi kachina
carving which he pioneered.
"His artistry is exhibited
in the fine detail of belts, sashes, and garments as well as
musculature, the motion, and active stance of the doll. He produces
very realistic figures which have sheer aesthetic beauty and
display tremendous power." - The Kachina Dolls of Cecil
Calnimptewa.
