Tocha (Hummingbird) Katsina Doll, circa 1940s [SOLD]

Katsina dolls traditionally are carved by a male member of a family to be presented to a female member of that family by a katsina during the public katsina dance. This is a good representation of the Hummingbird Katsina that was most likely made for that purpose. Generally, if a doll is made for sale, it will be mounted on a wooden disk so that it can stand alone. If made for the traditional Hopi use, a stand is never installed; rather, a string is tied around the neck so it can be hung from the rafters of a Hopi home.

The mask is topped by a carving of a hummingbird and embellished with a beautiful array of feathers. Yellow circles are painted throughout the body of the katsina. A loin cloth hangs over the front of the body and is painted with a flower that might symbolize a flower for the hummingbird. The wide woven embroidered katsina sash hangs over the back of the carving. According to Barton Wright, “The Hummingbird (Tocha) is a favorite kiva group impersonation. Sometime during the Bean Dance, and presumably during the Soyal, a number of these brilliant figures will appear. As they enter the kiva they bob, give a sharp call and then proceed to dance with great rapidity.”

The carving is in very good condition. The right foot has been broken and glued, and the right arm has partially separated at the shoulder and been nailed in for security. A previous owner of this carving had a metal stand made for it so that it could stand alone. Since the carving was made for presentation to a Hopi female, it was not made to stand alone, but to hang. Now, it can be displayed in either manner.