Adobe Gallery Blog

Very little is known about New Mexico Pueblo katsinas or katsina dolls so one must speculate when describing such.  At Hopi, we know that Mudhead Katsinas (Koyemsi) serve religious and secular functions so it is assumed the same is true at New Mexico Pueblos.  They function as chiefs during the season called Kwiyamuya, and as clowns at other times.  They are probably the most popular and recognized of all katsinam. 

They appear in almost every ceremony as clowns, drummers, announcers of dances, and other roles.  During the rest period in a dance, they may engage in games with the boys and girls in the audience.  At other times, only a single Mudhead may appear as a drummer for a group.  These katsinam appear in almost every pueblo dance.

The Mudhead Katsina head covering is made from canvas and is covered in mud as is the body of the Katsina.  The knots on the mask have been described as representing deformity and are used to pass on to the Hopi that incest is wrong and will result in such deformity.  They are used as teaching demonstrations in many occasions.

It was pointed out to us that the white lines on the body of the doll are a New Mexico style of body paint, not the style at Hopi.  Also, the black-on-white bowl carried by the katsina doll is most likely a Laguna Pueblo bowl.  It is for these two reasons that we are accepting the comments of an informant who contacted us and we are attributing this doll to Laguna Pueblo.

It is assumed that this representation of a Mudhead Katsina is one of a very religious purpose.  It is the only completely nude Mudhead Katsina doll of which we are aware. The bowl in his right hand probably holds sacred corn meal and the outward extension of the left hand indicates that he is distributing the corn meal to a person or place.

The pigment used on the head and body appears to be from a natural source and not of a commercial source.  The carving may be from the mid-20^th century.  A metal support stand is provided with the doll.

Recommended Reading: Katsina: Commodified and Appropriated Images of Hopi Supernaturals by Zena Pearlstone

Subject: Hopi Koyemsi (Mudhead) Katsina Doll with Ceremonial Bowl
Carver Unknown
Category: Traditional
Origin: Laguna Pueblo
Medium: wood, pigments
Size: 11-1/2" tall
Item # C3360N