Katsina Dolls Hopi Pueblo, Hopituh Shi-nu-mu Traditional

Sotungtaka Katsina, Gambler Kachina Doll by Curtis Naseyowma

Category: Traditional
Origin: Hopi Pueblo, Hopituh Shi-nu-mu
Medium: cottonwood, pigments
Size:
7-⅛” Height x 3-⅛” Width x 2-½” Depth
Item # C4902U
Price: $1400

Corn design element on the base of this carving. The Sotungtaka Katsina, commonly known as the Laguna Gambler, remains an enigmatic figure, with varying accounts regarding its origins and significance. While its precise roots are unclear, it is recognized as a Hopi Katsina, with some traditions attributing it to Laguna or Santo Domingo. In The Complete Guide to Collecting Kachina Dolls, Barton Wright identifies it as the Laguna Corn Kachina, noting its relatively recent introduction into Hopi ceremonies.

This exceptional late-20th-century Sotungtaka Katsina doll, skillfully carved by the renowned Hopi artist Curtis Naseyowma, captures the defining features of this intriguing figure. It bears the distinctive red and yellow striped face, a signature characteristic of the Katsina. Naseyowma's artistry is evident in the meticulous details that bring this carving to life, including an intricately carved evergreen neck ruff, a small squash blossom carving in the left hand, and a fox pelt draped from the back of the belt, all of which enhance its depth and character. Additionally, a carved sheepskin elegantly hangs over the right shoulder, further enriching the composition. This remarkable piece is signed and dated Curtis Naseyowma ‘89 on the bottom.