Native American Hopi Carved Hillili Guard Katsina Doll

Description

Native American Hopi Carved Hillili Guard Katsina Doll by Ron Honyouti

The Hillili Katsina is believed to have made its way to Hopi from Acoma or Laguna Pueblo. By the time he reached the Hopi on First Mesa prior to the turn of the century, his name had changed from Heleleka to Hillili. His name is attributed to the shrill call that he makes. He functions as a guard or whipper Katsina and is greatly admired for his rapid dance movements. He appears in the Powamuya and the Night Dances. This is a beautiful older piece by Ron, from the 1990s. The base shows just the beginnings of what became the intricate bases that his later carvings showed.