Old Style Hopi Carved Laguna Corn Traditional Plant Katsina Doll

Description

Old Style Hopi Carved Laguna Corn Traditional Plant Katsina Doll by Thomas Fredericks

Corn Katsinam (Qaokatsina) are the most common of the plant personators. The Corn Katsinam appear during winter Kiva dances and springtime plaza dances. Several types of Corn Katsinam represent the different varieties of corn given as presents during performances. These Katsinam come in the four colors of corn (the four directional colors--red, yellow, blue and white). Sometimes they have the ears of corn painted on their masks; other times they have spots painted on their bodies that represent kernels of corn. This Katsina with the butterfly on the mask is from Laguna Pueblo. Thomas did a wonderful job on this piece. The base has appliqued butterflies, and a Sunface with ears of corn and the Hopi kiva or altar steps. This is a wonderful large piece by Thomas. With more space to create, he can really show off his colors and the combination of feather and wood to make his Katsinam come alive.