Wood Carving in the Likeness of a Squash Katsina [SOLD]

A number of years ago, it was noticed that a quantity of wood carvings began to appear that looked like authentic Hopi Katsina dolls, but they were not true to scale or style.  It was determined that someone in Arizona, not a Hopi, was making these and distressing them to look like old katsina dolls.

I am convinced that this Squash carving is one of those.  It is too long and skinny and has been distressed to appear old. 

The current owner of this carving purchased it at auction as a 1930s Hopi Squash Katsina for $1840 in 2005.  I explained my thoughts on its authenticity and convinced him to let me publish it on our website and offer it for sale.  I wanted to make others aware that this style carving is on the market and is often offered by auction and eBay where they are difficult to examine before purchasing.

It’s a nice decorative piece of folk art but is not, in my opinion, a Hopi Katsina doll.  I am putting it on-line to make clients aware of the existence of carvings of this nature. It is available for purchase.