Old Style Hopi Carved Hillili Traditional Guard Kachina Doll (Katsina Doll)

Description

Old Style Hopi Carved Hillili Traditional Guard Katsina Doll by Thomas Fredericks

The Hillili Katsina is believed to have made its way 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 in the Night Dances. This is a wonderful piece by Thomas. The combination of leather, feathers and the unusual very dark use of paints is unique for Thomas. Usually his pieces are soft and almost playful. This one is dark, much like the Hillili himself.