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 Ryan Gashweseoma. Left to right: Hilili $45 , a Hemis Hu $45, Tsiitoto or Tobacco Flower $40, Matya $32 and Katsinmana $40. All are between 6-8 inches high. All of these are in Santa Fe but, the Matya will be making it’s way to Tucson shortly.
From left to right: Two Hahai’iwuuhti or grandmother katsinas, Yo't.se’e, and Matya. All by Corey Ahonewa, each $48 and between 6-7 inches high.
All four by Jared Quamahongnewa of the Spider Clan from the village of Hotvela on Third Mesa. Paakwa (Frog) 10 inches high and $80. (TUCSON) Pang or Mountain Sheep is 19 inches to feather tip and SOLD. (SANTA FE). Badger is 13 inches high, $80. Hohoysi, 14 inches high and $80. (BOTH IN TUCSON)
The first two at left are by Brian Holmes of the Spider Clan from the village of Hotvela on Third Mesa. A Ma’lo (literally a “stick’ katsina) he appears carrying a painted staff that represents the plain staffs or planting sticks used by traditional Hopi farmers. 11.5 inches high and $45. Next is a Honan or Badger katsina, SOLD. An Avatshoya (Spotted Corn) by Clark Tenakhongva. 12 inches high. SOLD Next is Ngayayataqa, which literally means Swaying Man – the name being taken from his dancing motion. He is said to be one of the Corn katsinas, swaying much as the cornstalks do in a breeze. 12 inches high. $100. (ALL IN TUCSON) Clark was recently elected vice-chair of the Hopi Tribe at a time when the tribe is facing some of its greatest challenges. We wish him and Chairman Nuvangyaoma success - they possess the skills and vision needed.
By Larsen Harris Jr, a Kokkopelmana 6.5 inches high and SOLD (ISANTA FE) A Hahai Wuuhti 7.5 inches high. $30. The Talavai’i second from right is by Horace Kayquoptewa and 8.25 inches to the tip of the feathers. $52. A left-Handed Hunter katsina by Eric Kayquoptewa. 10 inches high. $50. (These last three are all in TUCSON)
A Mastop by Larsen Harris Jr. It measures 15 inches high, $185. (SANTA FE)
Larsen went all out on the Hemis katsina, creating a beautiful flower motif pattern on the reverse. 22 inches high. $325. (SANTA FE)
A Korosto by Earl ‘Dino’ Patterson (Sunaweuma) It can also stand by itself. 11 inches high. SOLD. (SANTA FE)
An Owako or Coal katsina by Nick Brokeshoulder. 12 inches high, $70.(SANTA FE)
A Navook katsina by Jared Quamahongewa. 13 inches high. $85 (TUCSON)
An Early Morning katsina by Horace Kayquoptewa. 8.5 inches high and $48. (TUCSON)
All by Nick Brokeshoulder. From left to right: Solaawitsi 13 inches SOLD (SANTA FE). Sootantaqa measures 13 inches and $60 (TUCSON). Hahai’i Wuuhti 13 inches and $60. (TUCSON) Qööqöölö, 12.5 inches high and $68. (TUCSON)
