Hopi All-wood Carving of a Scavenger Katsina [R]

Today, the Scavenger (Uhuhu) Katsina performs as a guard or disciplinarian.  His staff and knife are indications of his control over Katsina dances.  Also, he accompanies the Ogre Woman when she gathers all the items given to her during a ceremony.  After she has filled her basket, the Scavenger Katsina picks up the remaining items and fills his basket.  In this capacity, he is considered a part of the Ogre family of Katsinas.  Historically, the Scavenger was considered a looter or scavenger of the Awatowi ruins, picking up anything of interest.

This is an all-wood carving by Brian Laban completed in 1997.  The basic carving is from a single piece of cottonwood root, with the staff, knife and protrusions on the mask being added items.  The detail achieved by the carver is absolutely extraordinary.  He even carved an arm band on the right arm of the katsina even though it is completely covered by the sheep skin cape.  It is details such as this that have made Laban one of the finest carvers on the reservation.

The face of the katsina features a long snout with teeth, two bug eyes under which are new moons, feathers on both sides as well as the top of the head, and a sun symbol jutting out from one side.  Long black hair drapes down the back.  A serpent is draped over the forehead.  On the Scavenger's back hangs a basket held in place by the red woven sash.  The cape over the shoulders represents the sheep skin cape worn by the katsina.  A coral and turquoise necklace adorns the neck and shell bracelets are on both wrists.  A beautifully carved Hopi embroidered sash hangs in a flowing manner on the right side of the katsina and a concha belt wraps around the waist of the doll.  On the left side of the waist is a shield with a star and moon.  A foxtail hangs down the back side and traditional moccasins are on the feet.

There is absolutely nothing omitted on this carving.  Laban has done a marvelous job.

Condition: original condition

Provenance: Adobe Gallery purchased this carving from the artist in 1997 and sold it to a New York client who now has brought it back to us for re-sale.

Recommended Reading:  Hopi Katsina: 1,600 Artist Biographies by Gregory and Angie Schaaf