Vaughn Monongya (1954- )

Vaughn Monongya, Hopi Pueblo, Corn Clan, active 1970s-present; one- piece carvings, sculptures. Von Monongya is admired for the high quality of his dolls and respected for building a successful art gallery on Third Mesa. He gives much credit to his uncle as a positive role model. " I looked at the carvings of my uncle Alvin James, and I tried to capture the technique and style that he used. As I developed more, I did it my own way... I get inspired from the work of all the good carvers, seeing their techniques."

In 1983, Von Monongya won Best of Show at Indian Market for his Crow Mother Katsina. Judge Jim Cross commented: "This piece is more than a Kasina doll, it's a Katsina carving. It is an excellent traditional piece of work in a contemporary style by an artist who is one of the best Katsina carver in the world." (SWAIA Update Fall 1983:1.)

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

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