Samuel Neil Kayquoptewa, Hopi Pueblo Carver

Samuel Neil Kayquoptewa (b. 1964)

Samuel Neil Kayquoptewa is a distinguished Hopi Pueblo artist and a member of the Rabbit/Tobacco Clan, based in the village of Hotevilla on Third Mesa, Arizona.

Master of Katsina Carving Kayquoptewa is primarily celebrated as an award-winning carver of traditional katsina dolls. His mastery of the form has earned him significant recognition, including back-to-back victories at the Southwest Indian Art Fair (Arizona State Museum, Tucson). He was awarded the Award of Excellence in Katsina Doll Carving in both 2003 and 2004.

Artistic Legacy and Family The artist comes from a family deeply rooted in Hopi artistic tradition. His talented siblings-Roberta, Darwin, and Brendan Kayquoptewa-are recognized in their own right as skilled basket weavers and katsina doll carvers. Today, Kayquoptewa's highly sought-after work is preserved in notable public spaces, including the collection of the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Reference: Hopi Katsina: 1,600 Artist Biographies by Gregory and Angie Schaaf.

TAGS:  Hopi Pueblo, Katsina Dolls, Roberta Kayquoptewa