Hopi Pueblo Female Wood Dance Tableta [SOLD]

Tabletas are worn by females during a plaza dance following the Katsina dance season. Generally they are covered with rain symbols—the three-tiered clouds at the top hovering over other rain symbols such as the lightning on one side. Dance tabletas are made by male members of a family for use by a female family member.

Normally, a small circle woven from corn husks is embedded in the center of the arch for the purpose of threading some of the wearer’s hair through as an anchor for the tableta. Additionally, a leather belt is cut and attached to the back as further security for the tableta. However, both these items are missing from this tableta.

Provenance: Originally purchased from the Museum of Northern Arizona in 1987.