Antique Native American Hopi Carved Broadface Guard Katsina Doll

Description

Antique Native American Hopi Carved Broadface Guard Katsina Doll by Carl C. M.

The Broadface Katsina (Wuyak-kuita) is among the guards who prevent any transgression on the path of the Katsinam. Often called the Broadface Whipper Katsina, he carries yucca fronds that he uses frequently as whips, particularly on clowns, who are terrified of him. He is an important figure in the winter Bean Dance (Powamuya) procession. This Broadface by Carl C. M. was acquired from a private collection. A really nice older piece and very cleanly done. This important disciplinarian almost looks whimsical. Hard to be taken seriously when the carving amuses me.