Born about 1966
Fire Clan (Masaeu)
Polacca, Arizona
Oliver has been carving since about 1990 and like the majority of the Hopi Katsina carvers is largely self taught. He carves all of the different katsina and in various sizes from the miniature to the very large. His favorite katsina are the deer and the ogres. Oliver learned much of his technique from watching his maternal grandfather and uncles who all carve. Oliver's father is Navajo of the Salt clan but since both the Navajo and Hopi cultures are matrilineal he is considered Hopi. Oliver has shown his work and won awards at the annual Santa Fe Indian Market, the Museum of Northern Arizona Indian Show, and the Gallup Ceremonial. Oliver aspires to one day work in stone and bronze.