Hopi Angwusnasomtaqa - Crow Mother Katsina Doll Made for Gift [SOLD]

Kevin Pochoema made this Crow Mother Katsina doll to be presented as a gift at Home Dance in July but he was unable to take it to Hopi Pueblo in time for the dance.  Rather than keep it until next year’s dance, he chose to sell it. This is an excellent example from a carver of the most detailed katsina dolls of the style he makes to be sold from the style he makes to be gifted.

The Hopi consider Angwusnasomtaqa (Crow Mother) to be a Katsina Mother. She is presented as a stately personage, moving slowly and singing quietly. It is she who initiates the young boys into the Katsina beliefs and culture. In this function, she is more forceful so as to gain the attention of the boys and deliver her message of the importance of the Katsina culture.

Kevin Pochoema, a very famous Hopi carver of contemporary Katsina dolls, illustrates the importance to the Hopi People of the tradition of making the doll in the form of a Katsina Sprit Being to be gifted to the females at dances.  Even famous carvers of expensive katsina dolls honor the tradition of making them for their original purpose of gifting.  In this form, the Katsina Doll is an educational tool to learn about the Pueblo religion.

Kevin is from the village of Bacavi at Third Mesa on the Hopi Reservation.  He has garnered many awards for his carvings—in 1989-92 at O'odham Tash; 1991 Best of Class; 1992 Best Concept Carving, 1st, 3rd Inter-tribal Indian Ceremonial; 1996 1st Over 15" Katsina Dolls at Museum of Northern Arizona Hopi Marketplace.

Condition: this Hopi Angwusnasomtaqa - Crow Mother Katsina Doll Made for Gift is newly made

Source: directly from the artist, Kevin Pochoema

Recommended Reading:  Kachinas: a Hopi Artist’s Documentary by Barton Wright with original paintings by Cliff Bahnimptewa.

Artist Image Source: Adobe Gallery - Kevin Pochoema (1965- ) Greasewood Clan