Hopi Old Chakwaina (Hewto) Katsina Doll [SOLD]

This older katsina doll, probably from the 1930s or early 1940s, represents a Chakwaina Katsina but I have been told that in this configuration, he is known as Hewto. 

Chakwaina appears most often in January during the Kiva Dances, dancing in a line with lively gestures, stooping and turning and singing a spirited tune. It has been said that Chakwaina represents Estevan the Moor, who led Fray Marcos de Niza in search of Cibola and was killed at Zuni. Barton Wright, the noted Katsina expert, said this is not likely because Chakwaina originally came from the Rio Grande Pueblos, migrated to Zuni, then to Hopi from Zuni.

Chakwaina appears in Hopi, Zuni and Keresan Pueblos but not in New Mexico Tewa Pueblo ceremonies. Chakwaina is a warrior of great repute.

This is a carving from a single cottonwood root.  The only additions are the red leather tongue and feathers on the head. 

Condition: very good condition with only the toes on the right foot missing and some abrasion to painted surfaces.

References: 

Hopi Kachina Tradition: Following the Sun and Moon by Alph Secakuku

Kachinas: a Hopi Artist’s Documentary by Barton Wright with original paintings by Cliff Bahnimptewa

Provenance:  from a former client to whom we sold a number of Katsina dolls in the 1980s although this is not one we sold to him.