Kokopelli Large Ironwood

Description

Material & Origin

This sculpture is carved from Mexican (Sonoran Desert) desert ironwood—Olneya tesota—a slow-growing, extraordinarily dense and hard hardwood. With a Janka hardness exceeding 3,200 lbf and a specific gravity over 1.2, ironwood sinks in water and resists decay, making it one of the most durable woods available. Its rich tones, fine grain, and rarity enhance both its aesthetic and collectible value.

Craftsmanship & Uniqueness

Each Kokopelli sculpture is meticulously hand-carved, ensuring no two are identical. Artisans craft the iconic hump-backed flute player with precision, allowing natural grain and color variations to shine through the polished finish. The result is a stunning, tactile work of Southwest folk art.

Cultural Significance

Kokopelli—a hump-backed flute player—is a revered fertility deity and cultural hero in Puebloan traditions, especially among Hopi, Zuni, and Taos peoples. He heralds spring, music, fertility, and rain by scattering seeds and chasing away winter’s stillness. Frequently depicted in Southwestern rock art since at least 1,000 AD, Kokopelli remains a timeless icon of joy and renewal.

Collector Appeal & Display

This sculpture is perfect for shelves, desks, or altars. Its combination of rare, enduring wood and cultural expression makes it a standout piece—both meaningful and visually striking.