Eric Roy

Eric Roy is a talented Hopi Kachina doll carver from Old Oraibi on Third Mesa, Arizona. Born in 1980 at the Tuba City Hospital, Eric is the youngest son of renowned carver Coolidge Roy Jr. and Juanita Roy. He represents the next generation of a deeply rooted carving tradition, carrying forward a family legacy that spans many decades.

Eric began carving at the age of 16 under the careful tutelage of his father. Traveling with Coolidge to shows and exhibitions, Eric absorbed not only the technical skills of carving but also the cultural and ceremonial meanings behind each figure. Today, his work reflects that deep education, mirroring the dynamic action carving style for which his father became well known.

One of Eric’s signature features is the way he crafts the base of his Kachina dolls to resemble the trunk of a cholla cactus, carving out the center and adding naturalistic holes to evoke the texture and appearance of this iconic desert plant. This detail not only adds visual interest but also speaks to his connection to the land and materials of the Southwest.

Eric still lives and works in Old Oraibi, one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in North America. His carvings are celebrated for their movement, precision, and cultural integrity—making him a respected artist among collectors and an important voice in the continuation of Hopi carving traditions.