Also called "cradle dolls' because they are given to Hopi infants, Putsqatihut or flat dolls are the very oldest form of katsinas dolls among the Hopi. After a child has gone through his or her naming ceremony 20 days after birth, the first one received is the Hahay'i wuuhti or katsina grandmother. The next is the katsinmana or katsina maiden. After that they may receive any katsina doll. The katsinas themselves carve them for the young girls who continue to receive them (usually more fully formed and detailed ones as they grow older) until they are initiated into the Hopi Katsina Society.
All by Augustine Mowa III. From left to right, top to bottom: Taawa/Sun, 8 inches tall. SOLD. Chasing Star, SOLD. Solaawitsi, 8 inches tall and $60, Hahai Wuuhti, 7 inches tall and $60. Sivutootovi, 7.5 inches tall and $60. Kokopelli, 7 inches tall and $65.
(ALL IN SANTA FE)
Each of these are by Larry Melendez, of the Butterfly Clan from the village of Sitsom’ovi on First Mesa. They average by 5.5 inches tall and each is $30. From left to right, top to bottom: Two Qöqölö (yellow for south and black for north), frog, two different feathered Taawa/Sun, and a Hahai Wuuhti. (TUCSON)
A Sikya Matya by Yamoo Honletstewa. 5.75 inches high and $48. Next, Eric Holmes carved the Ngayayataqa or Swaying Man. 10.5 inches high and $60. Third is a Paiyatemu* by Randy Brokeshoulder. 7 inches high and $70. The Kisa or Prairie Falcon is also by Randy, it is 9 inches high and $90. (All in SANTA FE).
* This particular carving represents a tsuku or clown katsina that appears on First Mesa. He is associated with the sun and is regarded as the patron of all the sacred clowns.
