Original Painting of Hopi Corn Katsina [SOLD]

Richard Sitko Pentewa was one of eleven children of the famous katsina doll carver, Otto Pentewa. He was born and raised at Kykotsmovi watching his father carve and paint. While mostly known as a carver, the younger Pentewa was also a very talented painter.

In this watercolor, a Corn Katsina is depicted in fine detail. There is a sense of movement as the beautiful dance sash flutters behind the dancer. The pumpkin flower, the hallmark signature of his father, Otto Pentewa, as well as the Hopi name of the younger Pentewa, is painted on the loincloth of the katsina.

From our research, it seems Dick did not paint often. There is one fine example of his work, an Eagle Katsina, in the Smithsonian’s Museum of the American Indian. This painting of a Corn Katsina would be a great addition to anyone collecting Hopi material. Although overshadowed by his father’s fame, Dick was a very talented artist on his own.

Condition:  very good condition.  Has recently had acid-free mat boards and foam core backing installed after removal of old mats and cardboard backing.  The painting was placed back in the original frame.  Any fading was imperceptible.

Recommended Reading:  Southwest Indian Painting: A Changing Art by Clara Lee Tanner

Provenance: from the collection of a gentleman from Chicago.  Formerly from the estate of Baseball Maverick Bill Veeck, purchased when he had a ranch in New Mexico in the 1950s.