Description

David Roy is a Hopi kachina carver from Arizona. This is a carving of the Hopi “Ogre Woman”, also known as Soyok Wuhti. This kachina figure is used in Hopi culture as a cautionary figure to teach children about good behavior during the Soyoko Ceremony, which occurs during the Bean Dance (Powamu) time. She carries a knife and crook and has a basket on her back. These items are used to catch her prey, children, and carry them away. Children are expected to provide food for her, and if they don’t, they are told she will eat them instead.

Roy is self taught and has been carving kachina figures since high school. He uses cottonwood and carves his figures using Dremel tools, a band saw, X-acto and pocket knives.