Old Style Hopi Carved Hillili Traditional Guard Katsina Doll

Description

Old Style Hopi Carved Hillili Traditional Guard Katsina Doll by Harold Nevayaktewa

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 particular Hillili has a bull snake extending from his feathered head.