JONATHAN DAY

Born on September 17, 1951, Jonathan Day grew up in Hotevilla, where he watched the men carve kachina dolls. Early in life he started to carve his own dolls in the style prevalent at the time. In the fifth grade he sold his first doll for ten dollars to Wayne Sekaquaptewa, who owned an arts and crafts store in Kykotsmovi.

Jonathan became a carpenter by trade, which familiarized him with the qualities of different woods, knowledge he has carried over into his kachina-doll carving. When in the late 1970's the law to protect endangered bird species was strictly enforced, buyers became aware that they could not purchase dolls ornamented with their feathers. Jonathan says that dealers and collectors would ask him what kind of feathers he used, and rather than face legal problems he started to carve the feathers. He also began to carve other parts that he had usually added on with smaller pieces of wood or other organic materials. Since 1980 he has earned his living by carving.

Jonathan's dolls are slender and seldom larger than eleven inches tall. All are carved out of single pieces of wood, including the bases. He carves regular sized dolls, miniature dolls, and occasionally sculptures. He is impressed by the work of the Honyouti brothers, but he strives for a refined and delicate style of carving that is his own. In particular, his application of acrylic paint sets his style apart from other carvers. He prefers to carve Katsinmana and Nuvaktsina (Snow Maiden) kachina dolls, but if asked, he can create a variety of dolls.

Jonathan lives in Hotevilla with his wife, Yvonne, who works at the tribal office in Kykotsmovi, and their three children. Dealer and collectors come directly to his house to buy his exquisite kachina dolls, which have won prizes over the last ten years in numerous competitions and shows. Jonathan also sells his dolls at various Indian markets, such as the Pueblo Grande Indian Fair in Phoenix, held every December.