Native American Hopi Carved Mudhead Katsina Doll--Vintage

Description

Vintage Native American Hopi Carved Mudhead Katsina Doll by Watson Honanie

The Mudhead (Koyemsi) leads the racers into the village and challenges villagers in contests to prove their strength. During the pauses in a dance, Mudheads may engage in games with the boys and girls in the audience. At other times, only a single Mudhead may appear as a drummer for a group. Should a dancer not have the proper mask or be late in arriving, he can easily become a Mudhead by donning that mask. These Katsinam appear in almost every Hopi dance. This older piece is signed by artist W. Honanie and we have attributed it to Watson. The carving is dated 1969.