Hopi-Tewa Pottery Two Horn Society Effigy Altar [SOLD]

This circa 1920s Hopi figurine represents the Hopi Two Horn Society God with two connected ceremonial bowls in front.  A hole was pierced below the chin to facilitate hanging.  It may also be displayed in a seated position.  It appears that the feature god represents Alosaka, the Two Horn Society deity.  The bowls likely are for sacred cornmeal.

Alosaka is gentle, kind, and aloof and he resides in the underworld rather than in the San Francisco Mountains near Flagstaff, Arizona.  He possesses great knowledge and duties related to agriculture. He brings the raw seeds for planting the main staple foods of the Hopi and he ritually ensures that the processes for plant life will properly develop and the plants sprout for eventual life sustenance. He may be seen dancing during the Powamu ceremony.

Condition: very good condition

Provenance: this Hopi-Tewa Pottery Two Horn Society Effigy Altar is from the estate of Henry Christensen, former attorney at law of New York

Recommended Reading: Colton, Harold. Days in the Painted Desert and the San Francisco Mountains, A guide.

Relative Links: tourist pottery, Hopi Pueblo, The Fred Harvey Company, pottery figurine