Kuwantotim Katsina Doll by Ronald Honyouti

This Kuwantotim Katsina Doll by Ronald Honyouti is an exquisite example of masterful carving and traditional Hopi artistry. Standing 7-⅜" in height, this katsina is hand-carved from cottonwood and finished with oil-based stains, showcasing remarkable detail and precision.

Inscribed on the bottom: R. Honyouti, Kuwantiyo.

Unlike dancing katsinam, the Kuwantotim Katsina, or "boys/youth" katsina, serves as a masked singer who accompanies other katsinam, providing the rhythmic foundation for ceremonies. Many katsinam require a chorus of singers or a drummer, and when they appear, their masks are typically simple in design.

Honyouti's depiction captures the katsina stepping up a rocky mesa, a shaker in his right hand and a drum in his left, embodying movement and purpose. The base upon which he stands is beautifully carved to resemble a mesa bluff with multi-storied adobe houses, grounding the figure in a rich cultural landscape.

What is a Katsina?

Condition: excellent condition

Provenance: This Kuwantotim Katsina Doll by Ronald Honyouti is from the estate of an Adobe Gallery client.

Recommended Reading: Walsh, Barry. "The Great Tradition of Hopi Katsina Carvers 1880 to Present", Rio Nuevo Publishers, 2019.

TAGS:  Hopi Pueblo, Katsina Dolls, Brian Honyouti, Lauren Honyouti