Coolidge Roy Jr.

       Coolidge Roy, Jr. was born August 4, 1950 in the village of Moenkopi, which is an extension of the Third Mesa villages.  He continues the family tradition of Kachina carving as his father, Coolidge Roy, Sr. did for over 30 years.  Before he began carving he made jewelry for a short period of time.  Coolidge is very careful in choosing what he carves, highly respecting the advice of his elders. He says, “In Hopi, we pray for all the people, not just our own. We pray for you and everybody and everything that is moving. Everything to me is spiritual and everything is religious.”

       Coolidge is a contemporary Kachina carver who has won awards.  He mainly carves the Eagle and Sun Kachina dolls, and can complete one in about four days due to his many years of experience. He honors the traditions and has participated in the dances since he was initiated as a boy.  He says, “I carve the dolls the way the Kachinas are in the dances, and then I gather up my shavings and take them to a special place, leaving them for the wind to carry away. I leave the bigger pieces there and they get covered up with sand. It’s a sacred place to me and I have done this for a long time. Most of the time when I am carving I sing a song, a special song for each carving. The songs I sing are the songs the Kachinas dance to - it’s their song.”

        Coolidge Roy, Jr. lives in Old Oraibi, Third Mesa where he continues to participate in tribal activities regularly.  He is the proud father of four children and three grand-children.