Hand carved of the root of the cottonwood tree by Kevin Quanimptewa of the Tobacco clan from the village of Hotvela on Third Mesa.
Only the root of the cottonwood tree is used as it grows only where there is an ample and consistent supply of water - rare around the Hopi mesas - and because of the water-seeking nature of the roots, which can grow out and down a couple hundred feet or more in search of the water table.
Known as a storyteller, sometime after WWII Qööqöqlö was given an additional role: To combat the intrusion of non-Hopi traditions, specifically Santa Claus and Christmas, he was assigned the task of taking presents to Hopi children just before Christmas Day.
Approximately 2 inches tall and 1 1/4 inches wide.
Hand carved of the root of the cottonwood tree by Kevin Quanimptewa of the Tobacco clan from the village of Hotvela on Third Mesa.
Only the root of the cottonwood tree is used as it grows only where there is an ample and consistent supply of water - rare around the Hopi mesas - and because of the water-seeking nature of the roots, which can grow out and down a couple hundred feet or more in search of the water table.
Known as a storyteller, sometime after WWII Qööqöqlö was given an additional role: To combat the intrusion of non-Hopi traditions, specifically Santa Claus and Christmas, he was assigned the task of taking presents to Hopi children just before Christmas Day.
Approximately 2 inches tall and 1 1/4 inches wide.