National Park ServiceNews Release
- Jan. 12, 2014
Karen Hughes, Acting Chief Ranger, MOCA/TUZI, 928-567-3322 x223
Hopi Artist Larry Melendez to Demonstrate Traditional Katsina Doll Carving at Montezuma Castle
CAMP VERDE, Ariz. - Hopi old-style katsina doll carver Larry Melendez will present a special cultural presentation from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18, at Montezuma Castle National Monument, Camp Verde, AZ. In an informal presentation, Mr. Melendez will demonstrate the mineral paints, cottonwood roots, and carving techniques he uses to create representative figures in the Hopi traditional style.
The artist has been carving old-style katsina dolls for over 25 years, using natural pigments and other materials found in nature. Mr. Melendez is Butterfly and Badger clan, from Sichomovi on First Mesa. He was taught by his brother, Manuel Chavarria, Jr., one of the artists who helped rejuvenate Hopi old-style carving in the 1980s.
Mr. Melendez's work reflects Hopi artistic tradition from the late 1800s to early 1900s before the railroad came to the American West. The old-style sculptures feature mineral paints collected, ground, and mixed by the artist; horsehair; feathers; shell; corn husks; and other natural decorations.
Regular fees apply on Saturday, Jan. 18, but all Federal Recreation Passes are accepted, and children age 15 and under are no charge. Montezuma Castle National Monument is located at 2800 Montezuma Castle Road, Camp Verde, AZ., 86322, and is open every day of the year from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. except December 25. For further information, call 928-567-3322, extension zero.
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Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
