SWAIA ARTIST Profile

Justin Lomatewama

Name
Justin Lomatewama
Tribe
Pueblo of Hopi
Main Classification
Pueblo Wooden Carvings
Classification #2
Classification #3
Website

SWAIA Booth Numbers

Summer 2024
PAL S 251
Winter 2024
Justin Lomatewama
Portfolio Example & Artist Statement

This type of carving is referred to an archaic style of carving. They represent what Katsina dolls looked like a long time ago before modern tools were available. Made from Cottonwood root. I try to recreate using tools that were available back then. A sandstone instead of sandpaper is used to help shape and smooth the wood. NO glue is used. I use a desert plant twig to peg in all the attachments. Natural mineral paints are used to paint. To tie on my feathers, I poke a hole with my awl, lay my string across the hole, then I use the desert twig to shove in the string inside the hole and snap the twig. So the two ends of the string are exposed.Back then, they didn't focus on the physical but more on the spiritual side. That's why the detail went into the face rather than the body. Once saws, files and other metal tools were introduced. Then they were able to carve out arms and legs. I enjoy recreating these Katsina dolls because they show a part of my history.

2024 Portfolio

View the artist's portfolio for this year.
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