Katsinas
On a series of mesas in Northern Arizona, the Hopi people have lived for centuries. The men of these mesas have, since their people began, carved wooden dolls, or likenesses, of the sacred spirits, the Katsinas. These dolls were originally carved, as they are today, to instruct the children of the tribe in the ways of the Hopi religion. The women are not allowed to take part in the kiva and dance ceremonies where the men lend their bodies to the spirit of the Katsinas, dress as the spiritual beings and perform exact dances that have been passed down for centuries to bring blessings to the people. For an article written by Chester Poleyestewa, a Hopi carver, about these original dolls, click here.
Today, Katsina dolls are also carved as works of art. Some of the Navajo people have taken up this art and embellish their dolls with feathers and leather. Generally the Hopi carve their dolls from a single piece of cottonwood root, the tree whose roots always search for water, a rare and special commodity in Hopi land. The spelling of the word "Katsinas" (Katcinas, Kachinas) has been disputed for many years, but the Hopi prefer the spelling "Katsinas." Therefore, except when otherwise titled by the artist or an author, we will use the spelling "Katsinas."
The following are only a few of the Katsinas we currently show in the gallery. If you are looking for a special carving or the work of a particular artist, please let us know and we will do our best to find the perfect piece for you. |  | |
"Mouse Warrior", by Hopi Tewa artist David Neil Sr.. Neil is known for his style of carving by the outstanding humor and expressiveness of his dolls. David Neil was born in 1944 and currently lives at First Mesa in Arizona. He is an accomplished carver and helped author the book "Kachinas: Spirit Beings of the Hopis". We are proud to be able to offer a quite rare and fine piece by this artist.
"Kwasa-Itaka"- Terry Lee Gasdia is a versatile artist carving in wood and stone. This carving is made of aged cottonwood root and painted with pigments, then decorated with feathers. In the tradition of Hopi doll carving, each Katsina has a special role during ceremonies and seasons. This Katsina is also called the Seed Katsina.
"Tawa"-Our Father Sun and "Hahai-i Wuhti"-Our Mother- Seasoned cottonwood root is painted with pigment and decorated with feathers. Father and Mother are sold as a pair, this is a unique offering. Terry has been learning and creating the KatsinaM culture his whole life. Call about these Katsina and you may reach Terry himself in the gallery to explain more about their significance in the Hopi ceremonies.
Hemis Katsina is seen as the Going Home Kachina- he often has mature corn stalks in his hands. A good harvest is produced from his symbols of rain and clouds present in his beautiful headdress. Painted with earth pigments and adorned with feathers that are clouds and grass for harvest.
Crow Mother or Angwusnasomtaka appears during the Bean dance, she is considered to be the Mother of all Kachina. Often seen with Yucca fronds, symbolic of whips for discipline for the children during this initiation into the Katsina Cult. Chester's Crow Mother is cottonwood, pigments and feathers.
White Hemis Katsina by Chester Poleyestewa. Hemis is the farewell Kachina, appears when the Hopi leave the Mesa's for 6 months. He also brings cattails and mature corn to the people, proof of good rains. The terraced headdress represents dark clouds and rainbows. The colors of blue, red and yellow are the rainbow.
White Buffalo Katsina by Hopi carver Chester Poleyestewa. In January the White Buffalo comes out to dance, he is the star of the social dance. Said to be the most powerful animal, he is also a spiritual protector. Chester's subtle pigments are painted with knowledgeable accuracy, and decorated with fur, feathers, and shells.
Wu-Utii-Maua Katchina. Chester Poleyestewa has recently brought a new collection to us at the gallery. Shown is Grandmother Katsina also known as Happy Mother and the Mother of all the Katsinas. Beautifully carved, painted with a delicate palette of natural pigments and decorated with feathers. She is sweet and smiling, and stands 11 inches tall.
Gourd Kachina has a tablita on it's head and a feather headpiece. It is decorated with shell earrings and a necklace. Measures 7 1/2 inches tall.
We are uncertain of the name of this Katsina doll, but, the colors are bright pigment based colors, and he has a Hopi skirt on and brown dancing boots. The doll stands 12 inches tall, including the feathers. In one hand he holds a rattle and in the other he has a dance stick.
