Hopi Pueblo Wakas (Cow) Katsina Doll [R]

Wakas is the Hopi name for the Cow Katsina. He seems to have first appeared in the Hopi pantheon of Katsinas around 1900 and has appeared regularly since then.  This one appears to be from the mid-20^th century. 

Animal Katsinas represent a relationship between the Hopi and the katsina spirits which some may compare to a true friendship on the human level.  This relationship involves an exchange of special favors—the Hopi provide respect through offerings of prayer feathers and meal in trade for favors granted by the recipient.

Animals are advisors, doctors and assistants to the Hopi.  It is through them that the Hopi have overcome monsters and cured strange diseases.  Some animals are warriors who know the ways of danger and can aid the men in becoming like them.  It is thought that all animals can remove their skins at will and hang them up like clothes.  When they do, they appear exactly as men, sitting about in their kivas.  Animals are the Hopi’s closest neighbors and are always willing to assist if approached in a proper manner and asked for help.  Proper manner means making prayer feathers.

Condition: very good condition with a small portion of the loin cloth broken off.  Whatever he might have had in his hands are missing.

Provenance:  from the collection of a California resident.

Reference and Recommended Reading:  Hopi Kachinas: The Complete Guide to Collecting Kachina Dolls by Barton Wright