Hopi Pueblo Corn Dancer Katsina circa 1950s [SOLD]

This katsina doll was made in the 1950s by an unknown Hopi Pueblo artist. It has the appealing traditional look that many collectors desire, with muted pigments, arms resting at the abdomen, and detailed attention given to the mask and kilt. This would be a fine piece to present as an example of the katsinam produced during the mid twentieth century.

"When the weather warms. . . kachina dances are held in the plaza of the village. These dances may be either Mixed Kachina Dances (Soyohim) where all the dancers are different types of Kachinas, or they may be a dance where all of the kachinas are the same-the Regular or Line Dance. Fewkes refers to these as the abbreviated kachina dances for they do not have the elaborate ceremonialism that accompanies the more important rites such as the Powamu or Niman. The dances may be sponsored by people who wish to commemorate some special event such as the return of a son from the army, the recovery from an illness, or a child's birthday. While there is always a strong element of religion present in these dances, there is also an equally strong element of entertainment. Each of the kachinas presented in one of these dances has a definite purpose, often in addition to their primary purpose of bringing rain and fertility." Wright 1973:107

This carving depicts a Corn Dancer, one of the katsinam that appears in a line dance mentioned above. There are a number of Corn Katsinam, probably more than any other class. Corn is a major part of the Hopi religion and culture, and the growth of corn in the dry lands of the Hopi reservation requires serious attention. The Corn Katsinam are accompanied by Manas, who use scapulae and rasps as musical instruments to accompany the katsinam during their dance. This katsina appears during the spring to promote the growth of corn.

What is a Kachina?

Condition: excellent condition, with a broken toe that has been repaired by a professional restoration artist

Provenance: this Hopi Pueblo Corn Dancer Katsina circa 1950s is from the collection of a gentleman from New Jersey

Reference: Wright, Barton. Kachinas a Hopi Artist's Documentary

TAGS: Katsina Dolls, Hopi Pueblo, Hopi Kachina Dolls