Yo-we (Priest Killer) Katsina [SOLD]

During the late 1600s, the pueblos revolted against the Spaniards and drove them out, only to be re-conquered by the Spaniards 12 years later. The Hopi were not re-conquered, however.

It is believed that this Katsina is the one who killed the Priest at the Hopi Village of Oraibi and tore the earring off the Priest's girl friend. This is symbolized by the cross the Katsina carries and by the single earring the Katsina wears.

The mask of this doll is removable. To the best of my knowledge, Hopi carver Tom Collatetta is the only Hopi ever to make dolls with removable masks. Hopi elders frown on this action because they do not want the children to realize that the Katsinas are actually village men with masks over their heads.