This remarkable Hopi puppet set was made by Dean Howato, son of the famed Walter Howato, who helped keep old style katsina carving alive through the 1960s, 70s and 80s until it was revived. 9 by 11 inch base. 15 inches tall. Absolutely unique. $2100. (SANTA FE)
These two katsinas date to about 1930 (plus or minus a couple years) During this brief period orange became quite popular. I am told it was a fashionable color Back East, with clothing accented in orange. I’ve not been able to verify that but Navajo rugs and even some Pueblo pottery from the era frequently incorporated orange. The Omaaw or Cloud katsina (which has a tiny missing piece from the left ‘ear’) is 10.5 inches tall and $1600. The Qôtsa Mana or White Maiden is 10.25 inches tall and SOLD. Both in Santa Fe
We will be re-feathering the Omaaw katsina at some point - and will repost when we do.
All four of these were carved in the style of Tewaquaptewa by his great-grandson, Ryon Polequaptewa. Left to right: 11,5 inches SOLD. 11.5 inches tall. $600 12 inches, SOLD and 11.25 inches. SOLD. (ALL IN SANTA FE)
This Maraw Katsina was carved in 1973 by Thomas Nahsonhoya. It is unusual to have a doll from this period with such great provenance. 12 inches tall and $300. (TUCSON)
Tewaquaptewa (1873-1960) was the last traditional kikmongwi of Orayvi Village. He began carving in his very distinctive style in the 1920s. He dolls often suggest specific katsinas but in each case are in fact an amalgam of design elements from several different katsinas. ( See: Barry Walsh, “Kikmongwi as Artist: The Katsina Dolls of Wilson Tawaquaptewa,” Winter 1998, American Indian Art magazine.
