Hopi Holi’katsina Doll [SOLD]

Barton Wright states that the name Holi comes from the word that this katsina constantly sings or shouts. Third Mesa villagers maintain that they originated this katsina and it was witnessed for the first time in the spring of 1904.  He appears in both Kiva and Plaza Dances.  The black line across his face is said to represent lightning.

This representation of Holi is from the late 1800s or early 1900s according to the original seller of this doll two decades ago.  We believe it is closer to early 1900s, but not into the late 1800s.  It appears that all the paints are mineral and not of commercial sources.

Condition: remarkable condition for its age.  Part of the right hand is missing and part of the left hand has been glued back into position.

Provenance: sold by R. B. Ravens of Taos to current owner in the 1990s, who is now a resident of Los Angeles, CA.

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