Hopi Pueblo Owa-ngazrozro Katsina, Stone Eating Kachina Doll

The Stone Eating Katsina: An Emblem of Tradition and Symbolism

This tall, imposing katsina doll, known as the Stone Eating Katsina, carries a name that has been represented in various ways—Owa-ngazrozro (as per Barton Wright) and Owa-ngaroro (according to Harold Colton). The latter spelling is predominantly used today.

The doll's depiction, as illustrated on page 45 of Wright's work, mirrors the features of this particular carving, identified as the one found on First Mesa. The katsina's face is painted white, adorned with marks on his cheeks symbolizing friendship. His eyes bulge out, and he has a pronounced snout.

His body, painted brown, is marked with white symbols on his chest, including a pair of white circles. He is dressed in a simple black kilt, with a string tied around his waist, a feature typical of these dolls. The katsina's physique is characterized by a slender, elongated torso and long arms, a style reminiscent of early carvings.

Typically, this katsina is depicted with long red hair cascading over his face. However, on this particular carving, the red hair is noticeably shorter, a result of strands breaking over the passage of time. This Stone Eating Katsina stands as a testament to the rich tradition and symbolism inherent in these cultural objects.

“The Stone Eating Kachina is one of the older Hopi Kachinas and shows great variation between mesas.  There appear to be two types currently—one that is seen on First Mesa and at Shungopavi and the other at Mishongnovi and Third Mesa.  Each of them has minor variations by village.  The kachina may be seen most often in the Powamu.  He is one of the Angry Kachinas and is usually led about with a rope around his waist which is held by a Koyemsi; although the rope may also be used to tease this ill-tempered personage.  Presumably when rocks are thrown at him he catches them and eats them.  On Second Mesa he is primarily a guard and a butt for the antics of the clowns.” [Wright, 1973;45]

What is a Kachina?

Condition: very good condition with some paint abrasions

Provenance: this Hopi Pueblo Owa-ngazrozro Katsina, Stone Eating Kachina Doll is from the extensive collection of a gentleman from California

Recommended Reading:

- Colton, Harold S. Hopi Kachina Dolls: with a Key to their Identification

- Wright, Barton. KACHINAS A Hopi Artist's Documentary

- Alph H. Secakuku, Following the Sun and Moon: Hopi Kachina Tradition

TAGS: Katsina Dolls, Hopi Pueblo, Hopi Kachina Dolls