Ros George
(b. 1948)
Katsina carver, Ros George, was born in Tuba City but spent his early childhood in his mother’s village of Moenkopi on the Hopi Reservation. At the age of 10, the family relocated to Flagstaff where he attended high school until his sophomore year when they returned to Moenkopi. It was at that time that Ros’ interest in carving took root. He began with carving animals before progressing on to the more difficult aspects of katsina figures. Following his father’s passing, Ros eschewed his given name, Amos, and preferred that of his fathers, Ros.
At about the time Ros’ name became synonymous with katsina carving, his younger brother, Dennis Tewa, also began his foray into the field; both are incredibly talented and award-winning artisans. Ros took leave of his practice for a few years finding little inspiration at the time and worked as a bricklayer. When he returned to the field, it was difficult to reestablish himself amongst collectors and dealers alike. However, his professional acumen was undeniable, and Ros’ work eventually made its way back into the upper echelons of private collections and museums alike.
Ahöla
Artist: Ros George (b. 1948)
Description: Cottonwood Tree Root | Dimensions: 18”h x 10”w x 8”d
Top-tier, award winning Hopi katsina carver, Ros George’s work can be found in museums and private collections around the world. His work in depicting Ahöla is a prime example.
Performing on the first night of the Powamuya Ceremony, the wise chief Ahöla brings prayers for health, happiness and longevity and the excitement of a new planting season and the promise of a bountiful harvest to come. On the following morning, Ahöla and his assistant Ahöla Mana travel to each home and kiva in the area to draw four horizontal stripes of cornmeal near each front entrance as a prayer for rain. At each stop, the females inside sprinkle both of the katsina with cornmeal in exchange for corn seeds in their baskets.
Corn Maiden
Artist: Ros George (b. 1948)
Description: Katsina | Dimensions: 14”h X 9”w x 9”d
In Helga Teiwes book “Kachina Dolls: The Art of Hopi Carvers” she wrote the following of Ros George. “Ros is a very spiritual person who cares greatly about life, and this outlook finds expression in his carvings. He says that he takes his ‘Hopiness’ with him wherever he goes and that the meaning of his culture will always stay with him. It is his spirituality and his culture that he expresses in his work.”
That sentiment is clearly visible as evidenced by the beauty, spirituality and cultural influence which radiate from George’s carved Corn Dancer.
