Hopi Mudhead Katsina with Gifts [SOLD]

The Mudhead has been named such because the mask and body of the participant is covered in reddish mud.  According to Barton Wright, this Hopi personage has been called Koyemsi but that term is from the Zuni Pueblo and means “husband” as in animal husbandry, one who cares for a flock. He states that neither Mudhead nor Koyemsi is the correct name for this Hopi Katsina.  He states that the proper Hopi name is Tachukti, a term which means “ball on head.”  It is not likely that the name Mudhead or Koyemsi will disappear because those are names generally known for this personage.

Because of the looks of the head covering, with its numerous knots, the Mudhead is generally considered to be a clown; however, it is not the case.  He serves a multitude of purposes.  Even though he is amusing and performs hilarious antics, he is far more than a clown.  He may be a curer, a magician, a dance director, a warrior, a messenger, a sage or, even a fool.

In this carving of the Mudhead Katsina, Kevin Pochoema has illustrated him in the guise of giving gifts to the boys and girls during a dance.  He has katsina dolls and baskets for the girls and bowl and rattles for the boys.  Pochoema has done an absolutely amazing job of carving this one-piece doll.  Most likely, the feathers on his left side and, perhaps the eyes and snout, have been added but basically it is a one-piece carving.

Condition: original condition with the exception that there is a thin crack on his stomach on the left side directly under the long yellow body paint coming down from his left nipple. 

Provenance: from the estate of Tom Mittler, a former resident of Michigan and Santa Fe

Recommended Reading: Clowns of the Hopi: Tradition Keepers and Delight Makers by Barton Wright