Hopi Nuvak.china Katsina Doll, circa 1940s [SOLD]

The Snow Katsina is a favorite of the Hopi because he is believed to bring the Snow, which is important for the runoff in the spring that feeds the crops. Like all the katsinas, he lives in the San Francisco Peaks north of the Hopi Reservation. Because of his association with water, he is a participant in a number of Hopi ceremonies—Soyal, Powamu, Palölökongti and the Mixed Dances of early spring.

According to Barton Wright “Since he is intimately associated with water, there is an alliance between him and the Water Serpent.  Thus we find him dancing at a spring that belongs to the Water Serpent and must be cleaned out.  Many times the Snow Kachina is used to distribute presents on the morning of the Bean Dance.  With this kachina’s connotations it is inevitable that he would appear emblazoned on billboards advertising anything from ski runs to cold weather clothing.”  Wright 1973

Condition: The carving is in very good condition with a repair to the left wrist

Provenance: from the extensive collection of a family from Oregon

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.