Hopituh Shi-nu-mu Sio Hemis Katsina Doll [SOLD]

The Hemis and Sio Hemis Katsinas are probably the most beautiful and best known of all Hopituh Shi-nu-mu (Hopi Pueblo) Katsinas. Their elaborate headdress, called a tableta, is partly responsible for their attraction. They both wear a kilt, and, around the waist, a Hopi embroidered sash.

The Sio Hemis Katsina is an import at Hopi from Zuni Pueblo, probably in the late 1800s. He may substitute for the traditional Hopi Hemis during the Niman Ceremony in mid-July. There is very little difference between the Hemis and Sio Hemis except for the decoration of the tableta. The Hopi Hemis has towering clouds and rain depicted on the tableta, while the Sio Hemis has dragonflies and sunflowers with smaller clouds at the top.

The Niman ceremony mentioned above is the going-home ceremony of the katsinas, shortly after the summer solstice. It closes the Katsina season. The date of the Niman is set when the sun reaches its northernmost point. Four days later, the ceremony begins. Sixteen days after that, the plaza dance of the Niman ceremony is presented. The Niman includes two dance processions during the day, after which the katsinas make gift presentations to the audience and depart the village until the following year. Many katsinas may be selected for the Niman, but quite often the Hemis or Sio Hemis is selected because each is spectacular looking, and the songs are popular.

This carving is probably from the early 1940s, based on having been painted with tempera paints rather than acrylic paints. The artist selected a wonderful group of bold colors, resulting in a carving with a strong presence. The carving's strength is enhanced by its size—standing over sixteen inches in height, it is significantly larger than the typical carving. This is an impressive example of 1940s katsina carving.

What is a Kachina?

Condition: good condition with some abrasion and paint loss

Provenance: this Hopituh Shi-nu-mu Sio Hemis Katsina Doll from the collection of a client from California

Reference: Kachinas: a Hopi artist’s documentary by Barton Wright with original paintings by Cliff Bahnimptewa

TAGS: Kachina – Katsina Doll, Hopi Pueblo