Hopi Monongya - Lizard Katsina Doll [SOLD]

“The Lizard Kachina is one of the Fighting Kachinas, a group that furnishes individuals to chastise the clowns for their un-Hopi behavior. He is presumed to represent a particular species of Lizard, the Crotophytus. This particular lizard is a brilliant turquoise color and very fast in movement.”  Wright 1973

Based on carving style and paint, this appears to be from the 1940s. It is simple in detail and quite plain in appearance which is a true representation of this Katsina when it appears in the Mixed Katsina Dance or Powamu.  A spread of feathers that is supposed to be on the back of the head has been removed, as have the feathers on top of the head.  This is probably the truest representation of this Katsina as it should appear.

Condition: The carving is in excellent condition. Some of the paint is marred and scratched, but that is to be expected in a carving of this age.

Provenance: from the extensive collection of a family from Oklahoma

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