Hopi Wupamo Katsina Doll, circa 1940s [R]

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.

This carving appears to be of the circa 1940s era and is in remarkable condition.  The paints have mellowed to soft shades consistent with the age of the doll.  The carving is more detailed than normal in that there were attempts to carve pectorals and shoulder blades whereas average carvers would make a smoother chest and back.  The snout bends down slightly and there are markings along its sides to indicated teeth.  It is small details of this nature that make a doll stand out above others.

The doll is provided with a metal stand for display purposes but could easily be removed if one wished to hang the doll from the string provided around its neck. 

Condition: overall in very good condition.  The yucca whip in his right hand is broken off but could easily be replaced with dried yucca strips. 

Provenance: from a gentleman from California

Recommended Reading:  Kachinas: a Hopi Artist’s Documentary by Barton Wright