The Grandfather of the Navajo Katsina is one of the more enjoyable features of the Navajo Katsina Dance. He does not speak but pantomimes whatever he wants. He starts the dance, acting as a leader in both singing and dancing. His dance step is an exaggeration, and a very lively one, that may be interspersed with a comic action such as the request for food—mountains of food. All of these requests are done in pantomimes that bring laughter to the audience.

The Grandfather or Uncle has several variations but the one portrayed here is the one that is most often seen. Because of the red hair over his ears, the corn ears are not visible. The buckskin cape over the shoulders is very long, almost brushing the ground, and is used with great dramatic effect.

Kabotie has done a marvelous job depicting this katsina in its colorful splendor. His attention to detail is not unexpected but still is a pleasure to see.

The painting is signed with the initials F.K. for Fred Kabotie. It is matted and framed using conservation materials. It appears to be in original excellent condition but has not yet been examined out of the frame.

Provenance: ex.coll. Dr. Bertha Dutton.