Native American Hopi Carved Hemis Katsina Doll--Vintage

Description

Antique Native American Hopi Carved Hemis Katsina Doll by an unknown Hopi carver

Hemis Katsina appears at the Home-Going (Niman) ceremony in late summer (July). He is originally from Jemez Pueblo, where he is an important figure in bringing rain prior to harvest. He is the Katsina who brings the grown corn to the people, ensuring a good harvest. This particular doll was carved by an unknown Hopi artist in the early 1970s. It is a substantial example of Katsinam from this period. His tablita is crowned with feathers and wheat tassels. He wears a green wool yarn (spruce) ruff around his neck and carries a rattle in one hand and spruce fronds in the other hand. He has yarn around his chest which is decorated with friendship signs, and he has yarn tied on his wrist and knee. On the other leg is the traditional turtle rattle tied behind his knee. A painted red sash wraps his waist and down his right side. A really fabulous older "Going Home" Katsina.