Tasavau Clown and Tasap Kachin Mana Katsina Doll PAIR [SOLD]

This unique carving presents the Tasavau Clown and the Tasap Kachin Mana Katsinas caught in the midst of dancing. It is signed by the carver Jonathan Day. It is such a unique presentation. The Clown Katsina is dressed in simple trousers and a button shirt, but he is sporting his finest collection of jewelry: a concho belt, a medicine pouch, and turquoise nugget necklace with jacla. In his right hand he carries a rattle and, in his left, he carries the wands from the feather dance. He is wearing a bandana over his head. His hair is tied in a chonga on the back of his head. The lines on his face and body represent scratch marks.

The Tasavau Clown is one of the clowns used to make jest of the Navajo or to make mockery of the Navajo. The songs this clown sings are sung in the language of the Navajo by the Hopi men. The mustache on his face is another form of mockery of the Navajo. The Tasavau is a true Hopi katsina.

The Tasap Kachin Mana is beautifully dressed with a pleated skirt and velveteen blouse. She, too, wears a nugget necklace with jaclas and traditional jacla earrings. On her head she is wearing a pair of upright feathers with colorful ribbons attached. There are three feathers attached to her back, and elaborate colorful ribbons dangle from her arms. In each hand, she carries a pair of feathers. Her waist is wrapped with a woven red belt with the ends draped along both sides of her body.

Tasap Kachin Mana is a true katsina. Her mask is a Hopi caricature of the Navajo and their manner of gesturing with the lower lip. She is a very popular katsina among the Hopi.

The animation of the pair of dancers is exquisite. One can feel the rhythm as they dance to the music of drums. The Clown has both feet flat on the ground, with knees bent at just the angle of a next step. The mana has her right foot raised and ready to put it down in preparation of raising the other foot. Both dancers look straight forward in concentration for what they are doing.

Jonathan Day created a wonderful scene with this carving. It is a pleasure to see such fine work with the warm charm of both dancers.

What is a Katsina?

Condition: very good condition

Provenance: this Tasavau Clown and Tasap Kachin Mana Katsina Doll PAIR is from the estate of a Santa Fe family.

References:

- Kachinas: a Hopi artist's documentary by Barton Wright

- Kachinas Spirit Beings of the Hopi, Avanyu Publishing

Recommended Reading: Traditional Hopi Kachinas: A New Generation of Carvers by Jonathan Day

TAGS: Hopi Pueblo, Katsina dolls, Laguna Pueblo, Jonathan Day, Sr.