Original Painting of Hopi Pueblo Patsavu Ceremony [SOLD]

Paintings by Waldo Mootzka featuring Hopi ceremonies are quite rare. Mootzka, a student of famous Hopi artist, Fred Kabotie, passed away at the very young age of 30. He was an extraordinary artist.

The following analysis of this painting was provided by Chad Burkhardt in personal communication. Mr. Burkhardt is a nationally recognized authority of Hopi Katsinas and ceremonies:

“This is Patsavu. The elaborate form of Powamuy that occurs after initiations into the Men's Wuwutsim Society's in November. Soongopavi is the only village that still does this, but all of the old main villages (Oraibi, Walpi, Misongnovi and Soongopavi) used to have it. If they initiated the men in November, Powamuy would become a more elaborate two day ceremony. The highlight of the ceremony is when the Patsavuin Mana't would carry into the village large tuini (trays of bean sprouts with corn and clay imitations of beans on them). These trays are so heavy that each of them had a male helper Katsina that would give them rest breaks helping to carry the heavy load. These trays represented the ultimate magic power of the Katsinam with such riches of crops coming in the middle of winter. The male Katsinam are Ma'alo, Navan, Muyingwuh (Alosaka on First Mesa) and Omaw Katsina.”

Condition and Provenance: This painting of the ceremony of Patsavu is signed in lower right and dated Az 11-15-33. It appears to be in excellent condition but has not yet been examined out of the frame. It is from a collection in Oklahoma.