Hopi Pre-World War II Chakwaina Katsina Doll [SOLD]

Chakwaina appears most often in January during the Kiva Dances, dancing in a line with lively gestures, stooping and turning and singing a spirited tune. It has been said that Chakwaina represents Estevan the Moor, who led Fray Marcos de Niza in search of Cibola and was killed at Zuni. Barton Wright, the noted Katsina expert, said this is not likely because Chakwaina originally came from the Rio Grande pueblos, migrated to Zuni, then to Hopi from Zuni.

Chakwaina appears in Hopi, Zuni and Keresan pueblos but not in New Mexico Tewa Pueblo ceremonies. Chakwaina is a warrior of great repute. The white marks on his torso are warrior marks.

This carving is probably from the early-20th century or slightly later.  It is provided with a string around the neck should one wish to hang the doll from the string.  It also stands firmly unaided.  This carving of Chakwaina does not show the double bandoleers across the chest, possibly the carver’s manner of carving a doll for sale that did not contain all the elements of one made for gifting to Hopi females.

Condition: very good condition

Recommended Reading: Hopi Kachinas: The Complete Guide to Collecting Kachina Dolls by Barton Wright.  This book is currently not available from Adobe Gallery

Provenance: from a family collection in Santa Fe