Erwin Pino

Erwin Pino, “Shro Dema” (Going Planting), was born in 1964. He is Hopi, Laguna, and Acoma. He began experimenting with wood carving at the age of 10. He was inspired to continue the art of wood carving by his friends, and relatives. When he was a young boy he observed his elders, with great admiration and enthusiam, carve their work.

Erwin specializes in hand carved Hopi kachina dolls. He uses a pocket knife to carve cottonwood root into highly detailed, and well painted dolls. Tradition is very important to Erwin, and by continuing the family tradition of carving it helps him become closer with the spirits. He is extremely respectful of the traditional ceremonies held within his clans, which involve the great spirits of the kachinas. Erwin does not plan ahead on what kind of kachina he will make. He works with the shape of the wood he is working on. Erwin just allows his imagination to create what comes naturally to him. Erwin signs his kachina dolls as: Erwin Pino, and he will include a title of the kachina.

Erwin is related to the following artists: Richard Dawakuku (uncle),Gary Heheya (uncle), the late Meldon Hayah (uncle), Melvin Pino (brother), and the late Benson Seeni (grandfather).