Tay Polequaptewa – Interpretation of a Tawaquaptewa Carving

Tay Polequaptewa is a great-grandson of renowned Hopi carver Wilson Tawaquaptewa (1873-1960). Tawaquaptewa was the Kikmongwi or Village Chief of Orayvi and a unique katsina carver in that he never made an accurate depiction of a katsina, believing that correct renditions should not be sold. His great-grandson, Tay Polequaptewa is a very accomplished carver in his own right, having won many prizes for his art at major shows. This excellent carving is one of Tay’s interpretations of (and homage to) his great-grandfather’s work. Like Tawaquaptewa’s work, this katsina is “made up.” It is 12″ tall to the top of the feathers and 6 1/2″ wide. The amazing lizard in his mouth is 4 1/2″ long. The figure has small shells attached to bandoliers on his chest front and back. He also has blue leather armbands and brown leather fringe on the boots. As with all of Tay’s carvings, very precisely painting. Tay took a lot of time on his piece. As shown in the last photo, it is signed and dated on the bottom of the feet.