This is an exceptional Hopi Tasap Katsina doll carved from a piece of cottonwood root. Tasap is a Hopi representation of a Navajo God. There are Hopi versions of katsinam that honor and depict other tribes, such as the Navajo, Havasupai, Comanche, Zuni and other Pueblos.

This is the Hopi version of what the Navajo katsinam might look like. These katsinam are not borrowed from the Navajo, as they are unique to the Hopi. They have the same purpose and functions as all the Hopi Katsinam. They are messengers and/or intermediaries to the rain gods. Since they are katsinam in every respect, they are afforded the same reverence and dignity during their visits.

This Tasap male katsinam wears a ceremonial kilt and rain sash, and has a blue face and red hair. The male, along with a companion female, appears during Angak’wa and the summer katsina day dances. Since they depict the Navajo, their songs may have some Navajo words speaking of the good things of life and/or words representing moisture.

The doll is in very good condition. Some of the leather around the ankles has worn away, a little of the wood on the inside of the sash has chipped away, and all the feathers have been changed to comply with Federal regulations.