Hopi Early 20th Century Rooster Katsina Doll [SOLD]

According to Barton Wright, this Katsina should more properly be called Takawea (Rooster) rather than its more popular name, Kowako (Chicken), because he is definitely a rooster. It is his belief that this Katsina does not date much before 1850 because it was around then that the Hopi acquired chickens.

This carving is a one-piece work of art, including its beak and crown. Judging from the paint, it is circa 1930s or perhaps a little earlier. The long torso and short legs are indicative of this early time period.  Everything appears to be original to the doll with no obvious replaced parts or re-paint. Most of the paint is still in very good condition but some has rubbed thin over the years as a result of handling the doll.

Provenance: from a gentleman in Ohio

Recommended Reading: Kachinas: A Hopi Artists Documentary by Barton Wright