Hopi Wuyak·kuita - Broadface Katsina Doll [SOLD]

In every ceremony there are guards to prevent any transgression on the path of the kachinas. In addition, guards or Angry Kachinas were formerly used to enforce community work such as the cleaning of springs. It is to this category that the Wuyak·kuita belongs. Wuyak·kuita is most often seen bringing up the rear of the Bean Dance Procession or circling wide at the sides. He is the one who moves toward the clowns and absolutely terrifies them. (Wright, 1973. 26)

This carving was made by Kevin Pochoema, a very famous Hopi carver of contemporary Katsina dolls.  He is from the village of Bacavi at Third Mesa on the Hopi Reservation. He has garnered many awards for his carvings—in 1989-92 at O'odham Tash; 1991 Best of Class; 1992 Best Concept Carving, 1st, 3rd Inter-tribal Indian Ceremonial; 1996 1st Over 15" Katina Dolls at Museum of Northern Arizona Hopi Marketplace.

Kevin Pochoema has always been an exceptional carver of katsina dolls but it is evident that he has even improved with age.  Every katsina doll carving by him seems better than the last one. On this doll, every detail was executed to the finest degree.  The hair on the animal skin over the doll’s shoulders was scored individually and in different directions as would the hair naturally fall on the skin of the animal.

Feathers on the mask, the long hair beard, fringe on the moccasins and the foxtail were incised line by line.  The wedding sash on the doll’s right side beautifully curves to the back illustrating the motion of the katsina.  Musculature of arms and legs is in beautiful proportion. It is an overall exquisite carving that was enhanced by paints and stains applied in absolute precision!  

Condition: new

Provenance: this Hopi Wuyak·kuita - Broadface Katsina Doll is from the artist

Reference: Kachinas: a Hopi Artist’s Documentary by Barton Wright