Hopi Pueblo Wupamo Katsina Doll [SOLD]

Wupamo is a guard katsina and he carries yucca whips for use on unwary participants.  He will make mad dashes toward the audience as if to attack.  Sometimes, a Koshari will tie a rope around the waist of the Wupamo to hold him back from attacking audience members of the dance.

The back of the katsina doll is flat and painted black, a procedure that accommodates hanging it on a wall.  The ruff around the neck is fur and the feathers are in good condition.  The hands are tucked into the stomach in the style of early 20^th century carvings. The carving is from a single piece of wood except for the eyes and snout which have been inserted.  The doll will stand without additional support.

Condition:  This Hopi Pueblo carving appears to be of the circa 1980 era and is in remarkable condition.  The natural paints have rubbed off to some extent. 

Provenance: from a resident of Sherman Oaks, California

Recommended Reading:  Hopi Katsina 1,600 Artist Biographies by Gregory Schaaf