Hopi Kuwan Heheya (Colorful Heheya) Katsina Doll [SOLD]

“The Kuwan Heheya or ‘Colorful’ Heheya is one of the group dancers often chosen for the Niman Kachina on First Mesa.  They are accompanied by Kachin Manas who dance in a separate line, kneel and rasp at certain parts of the ceremony. Again, the ceremony is to bring rain for the partly matured crops, and they are asked, as the Hemis Kachina is asked, to tell the supernaturals to bring rain.  The Kuwan Heheya are usually accompanied by two side dancers: one is the Heheya’s Uncle and the other is the Heheya Youth.” Wright, 1973

Condition:  This Hopi Pueblo carving probably dates to the 1960s and is in very good condition for its age. The item from the right hand is missing and the right arm at the bicep has been broken and glued.

Provenance: from the collection of a family from Oregon to whom we sold this doll in 1994.

Reference and Recommended Reading: Kachinas: A Hopi Artist’s Documentary by Barton Wright with paintings by Cliff Bahnimptewa.  This book is currently not available from Adobe Gallery.