The Hopi Approach to the Art of Kachina Doll Carving (Paperback)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

The beautiful diversity of Hopi Kachina dolls is pictorially presented to show past, present, and evolving styles. These carved representations of ceremonial figures taking part in celebration of the Kachina religion are highly collected by Indian and white peoples alike. This book serves to explain, compare, and present the variety of dolls that are found through color pictures, line drawings and a concise text. The carvers are given a great deal of recognition throughout the book as the discussion covers the environment, tools, and prominence of these artists. An appendix lists 495 living artists. An introduction is by Frederick Dockstader, former director to the Museum of the American Indian in New York. Mr. Bromberg, a trader among the Hopi, shares his accumulated respect for the culture and people who produce them. His chapters evolved to answer questions by collectors and gallery workers. The result is a first-hand analysis of this contemporary and still changing art form that has both religious and commercial impact on the Hopi carvers. Only a trusted, sympathetic student of the Hopi culture could have compiled the background interpretations of the dolls and won the respect of the carvers.

About the Author

Mr. Bromberg's sensitive scholarship brings insight to this art form and should inspire the artists as well as the collectors. Living in Albuquerque with his wife, Mr. Bromberg makes frequent and lengthy visits to Hopi land.

Product Details

• Paperback: 94 pages
• Publisher: Schiffer Publishing; First Edition edition (November 1986)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0887400620
• ISBN-13: 978-0887400629
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,130,073 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Basic introduction to Hopi kachina dolls, May 29, 1999

By A Customer

Author Erik Bromberg provides the reader with a good, basic introduction to the art of kachina doll carving. The photography of Michael Mouchette is simple in style and foremat ... place the doll in front of a gray or brown background and shoot. Price is what makes this book most appealing. It's publication date of 1986, however, leaves the reader without a TRUE picture of the advances made in this art form over the past decade. Pick up a copy of this book; it's worth the initial investment. Then take an additional step ... compare it to a book from the mid 90's ... you'll SEE the difference!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Interesting, first class reference book., March 16, 1999

By A Customer

This book is one of the best I've seen on the subject of kachina dolls and their carvers. A great reference as well as a strong introduction to the art. Describes the differences between Hopi and Navajo styles, with high quality photos. Along with my Barton Wright, this book is invaluable as a collecting reference book. The appendix includes a big list of Hopi carvers' names and a page of translated symbols.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Interesting, first class reference book., March 16, 1999

By A Customer

This book is one of the best I've seen on the subject of kachina dolls and their carvers. A great reference as well as a strong introduction to the art. Describes the differences between Hopi and Navajo styles, with high quality photos. Along with my Barton Wright, this book is invaluable as a collecting reference book. The appendix includes a big list of Hopi carvers' names and a page of translated symbols.