Hopi Kona (Chipmunk) Katsina Doll, circa 1930 [SOLD]

The Kona Katsina is one of a group of Katsinas considered Wawash Katsinas or Runner Katsinas.  A good explanation of this group of katsinas is presented in the book Kachinas: the Barry Goldwater Collection at the Heard Museum, which we quote:

"Often during the Plaza Dances a number of masked personages appear that are neither dancers nor clowns.  These individuals are the Runner or Wawash Kachinas.  They are easily recognized by their abbreviated costumes with few encumbrances, and by the large eye and nose holes in their masks which allow them both adequate vision and breath as they run. 

"Assembling at one end of the plaza, usually during a pause in kachina dancing, they spread a blanket and place upon it many varieties of food.  Then prancing up and down and rushing about they invite any and all to race against them.  If no challenger is immediately forthcoming they may inveigle some hapless clown into stepping in front of the blanket.  The results are instantaneous for as soon as any one steps before the blanket the race is on and they start in a flash.  Should the challenger win, he receives a prize but if he loses he receives the punishment meted out by the particular kachina that overtook him.  This punishment may range from a vigorous blow with a yucca leaf whip to having the shirt ripped off his back.  Other favored punishments include having several locks of hair cut off with sheep shears or rubbing the loser's face with ordure or grease and soot.

"While the episode provokes great merriment it has a serious function as well.  The purpose appears to be a reinforcement of the habit of running, as well as the ritual encouragement of the kachinas to hasten with their benefit (namely water)."

This katsina doll is painted with yellow pigment and has three black stripes running across its face and body.  It wears traditional pueblo moccasins.  The arms are tucked into the body in the form of early katsina dolls.  The string around its neck was put in place before the body paint was applied.  The doll will not stand unaided and will have to be hung for display.

Condition: very good condition with the expected amount of paint abrasion.

Provenance: ex. coll. Joan Evans Anderman

Recommended Reading: Kachinas: A Hopi Artist's Documentary by Barton Wright