Hopi Wakas - Cow Katsina Doll, circa 1940s [SOLD]

The Wakas'katsina is the Cow Katsina. He seems to have first appeared in the Hopi pantheon of Katsinas around 1900 and has appeared regularly since then. He represents an animal spirit messenger to the Rain gods. The songs and dance movements are prayers for rain, and are symbolic of animals' self-sacrifice in supplying food to sustain life. - Secakuku

This Hopi Wakas - Cow Katsina Doll looks to be from the 1940s. It was very well made. It stands erect without support or may be hung from the loop around its neck.  It is a one-piece caving except for the snout, eyes, nose and horns. It appears to be painted with mineral paints of natural origin, which would substantiate a date of early 1940s. 

Condition: carving is in excellent condition with some loss of paint

Recommended Reading: Following the Sun and Moon: Hopi Kachina Tradition by Alph Secakuku

Provenance: from a family in Santa Fe