Jimmy Kewanwytewa (1889-1966) Biography

Jimmy K, as Jimmy Kewanwytewa is most commonly known, was the first kachina carver to sign his work. Jimmy K worked for Harold Colton at the Museum of Northern Arizona in Flagstaff from 1934 until his death, giving tours and lectures and demonstrating kachina carving.  Beginning in the 1940s, he signed the dolls intended for sale with an initial on the bottom of each foot, a practice controversial at the time, but now standard.  (Dolls made for Hopi girls are never signed as they are gifts of the kachinas.) Jimmy K delighted thousands of visitors toi the museum with his skill, knowledge and winning personality.