According to Secakuku, “Sikyaq Qöqöleqlo is the artist, practicing the art of agrarian culture and producing the colorful gifts that he brings for children at the Powamuya ceremony.”

Qöqöle comes in various colors representing the six directions (north, west, south, east, universe, and the underworld). This Qöqöle is blue—that is, the color of his mask.

The cradle for the katsina doll is named taapu in Hopi The outer frame is made of oak and extends the entire length of the cradle and is bent in a U shape. The warps and weft are constructed from scrub sumac branches.

The original sales tag from the Museum of Northern Arizona with the carver’s name and dated July1961 is still attached to the piece. The katsina doll is wrapped in cotton fabric and tied to the cradle. Both doll and cradle are in very good condition.

Among Hopi material, this doll size wicker cradle with a tihu strapped in is a relatively rare find, particularly of this age.

For detailed information on the functions of Qöqöle, see Katsinas: A Hopi Artist’s Documentary by Barton Wright.

Provenance: From the estate of Transcendental artist Florence Pierce of Albuquerque who passed away in 2007 at the age of 89.