Hopi Tasap Yeibichai Katsina Doll by Jimmy K [SOLD]

This carving is an extraordinary representation of the Hopi Tasap Yeibichai katsina. It was carved by Jimmy Kewanwytewa of Moenkopi at Hopi Pueblo. He has exquisite body paint and kilt. His face has the traditional corn plant painted down the center. Red horsehair crosses his forehead and hangs down over the side of the mask. He carries wands in both hands. This is the most beautifully created Tasap Yeibichai with which we are familiar.

Jimmy Kewanwytewa (1889-1966) Jimmy K, of the Short Corn Clan, was the first Hopi to sign Katsina carvings. He began this practice in the 1940s and although it was controversial at the time, many other Hopi artists soon followed suit. Jimmie K was a dynamic, charismatic individual who educated thousands of visitors to the Museum of Northern Arizona. He sang traditional Hopi songs, provided countless demonstrations on Katsina carving, and gave lectures about Hopi traditions and culture.

"The Grandfather of the Navajo Kachina is one of the more enjoyable features of the Navajo Kachina Dance. He does not speak but pantomimes whatever he wants. He starts the dance, acting as a leader in both singing and dancing. His dance step is an exaggeration, and a very lively one, that may be interspersed with a comic action such as the request for food-mountains of food. All of these requests are done in pantomimes that bring laughter to the audience." [Wright 1973:182]

Condition: very good condition

Provenance: this Hopi Tasap Yeibichai Katsina Doll by Jimmy K is from the collection of a client of the gallery

Reference: Wright, Barton. Kachinas: a Hopi artist's documentary

TAGS: Hopi Pueblo, Katsina dolls, Jimmy Koots, Romando Vigil, Tse Ye Mu, Manfred Susunkewa, Walter Howato, Jimmy Kewanwytewa