Hopi Older Ma’alo Katsina Doll [R]

Ma'alo Katsina was one of the most popular katsinam in dances around 1900. He was often in the Niman dances along with Hemis, Angak'china and Kuwan Heheya. He usually appears with Takurshmana as his sister, dancing in a separate line alongside him. For some reason, he is not often seen in dances today. This is not unusual in that katsinas appear and disappear from time to time.

This katsina normally appeared as a Niman Katsina on First Mesa and danced at other ceremonies on Second and Third Mesas.  When he dances, he is accompanied by Takurshmana as his sister katsina.

He is one of the older traditional Hopi katsinas from the early period of katsina development. He performs a dance that portrays a prayer for rain and good crop yield.

This carving of Ma’alo appears to date to circa 1940s based on the carving style and paints used. The feathers have been changed to comply with Federal law.

Condition: structurally in excellent condition with some abrasion to paint.  The right foot has been broken off and glued in place and the left foot appears to have been broken off and replaced.

Provenance:  from the collection of a gentleman in California

Recommended Reading: Kachinas: A Hopi Artists Documentary by Barton Wright