Palhikmana Katsina Doll by Ronald Honyouti

The Palhikmana is one of the most striking Hopi Katsinas, distinguished by the elaborate tableta she wears on her head and the rainbow decorations on her chin. She is a versatile figure, depicted as a Corn Grinding Maiden in katsinam functions, a Salako Mana dancing alongside Salako Takas, or as a participant in women's social dances. This particular doll is painted with matte-finished, oil-based stains. Its pedestal features five small, stepped adobe designs with intricate details, highlighting mudbrick and windows for each structure. The piece is signed on the underside.

This katsina was crafted by Ronald Honyouti (b. 1955). When he received the 1985 SWAIA Fellowship, the Indian Market organizers remarked: "Ronald Honyouti's Katsinas are carved from a single piece of cottonwood root and lightly painted with oils and stains. The natural grain of the wood shows through, lending an impression of underlying motion and grace." Ronald, from Hotevilla on Third Mesa of the Hopi Reservation in Arizona, learned the art of carving from his father, Clyde Honyouti. Among his brothers, Lauren and Brian Honyouti also carved Katsina dolls.

What is a Kachina?

Condition: excellent condition

Provenance: this Palhikmana Katsina Doll by Ronald Honyouti was purchased by Adobe Gallery in the 1980s from the artist, and sold to a client from whose estate we now have it back

Recommended Reading:

- Hopi Kachinas: The Complete Guide to Collecting Kachina Dolls by Barton Wright

- Hopi Katsinas 1,600 Artist Biographies by Gregory Schaaf

TAGS:  Hopi Pueblo, katsina dolls, Brian Honyouti, Lauren Honyouti