Ma’lo Katsina Doll, circa 1930 [SOLD]

Ma'lo or Maalo Katsina was one of the most popular katsinas in dances around 1900. He was often in the Niman dances along with Hemis, Angak'china and Kuwan Heheya. For some reason, he is not often seen in dances today. This is not unusual in that katsinas appear and disappear from time to time.

This carving is from a single piece of cottonwood root, as is traditional. The only additions would be the right ear and the snout. The short legs, long torso, arms tucked into the body and the larger head are typical of dolls from the 1920s-1930s decades. Interestingly, the bundle on top of the head is secured with fabric strip that have been twisted and dyed, a very early technique before the use of cotton string or yarn.

The doll is in extraordinary condition for its age. The wood cracked up the left side of the body behind the left arm. The paint is still in excellent condition.

Provenance: From the collection of a Santa Fe family.