Hopituh Shi-nu-mu Tasap Yeibichai Katsina Doll [SOLD]

This wood carving of the Tasap Yeibichai katsina doll presents us with a man of muscular upper body as one would expect of an impersonator of a Navajo supernatural. He is dressed in western style clothing and wears a turquoise necklace with jacla. His mask is traditional for this Hopi Pueblo katsina. It depicts ears of corn on his cheeks, and a corn plant on his forehead. He has his legs bent and arms stretched out in front in a position of dance. The katsina doll is not signed with the name of the carver.

"The Grandfather of the Navajo Kachina is one of the more enjoyable features of the Navajo Kachina Dance. He does not speak but pantomimes whatever he wants. He starts the dance, acting as a leader in both singing and dancing. His dance step is an exaggeration, and a very lively one, that may be interspersed with a comic action such as the request for food-mountains of food. All of these requests are done in pantomimes that bring laughter to the audience." [Wright 1973:182]

What is a Kachina?

Condition: good condition with minor paint abrasions. One foot has been repaired.

Provenance: this Hopituh Shi-nu-mu Tasap Yeibichai Katsina Doll is from the collection of a client from California

Reference: Wright, Barton. Kachinas: a Hopi artist's documentary

TAGS: Kachina – Katsina Doll, Hopi Pueblo