Hopi Cottonwood Nataska (Black Ogre) Katsina Doll [R]

One of the favored carvings of Hopi is that of Nataska, the feared Ogre. During the process of collecting food from Hopi homes for distribution to the Katsinas in the kivas, the Nataskas make horrible noises to scare the children. From the earliest ages, Hopi children have heard stories about how the Nataskas would abduct children and eat them, so it is no wonder that they are terrified of them. The parent or parents bargain with the Nataskas to leave the children alone and the Nataskas agree, thus the parent is the hero and the children are saved.  The mother gives the Ogres food in exchange for leaving the children alone.  The food is then taken to the kiva to feed the katsinas.

Nataska has a long snout, big enough to eat children. He carries a saw or knife or some other weapon used to scare the children.  In this carving he carries a sword.  The back of this carving is just as beautiful and impressive as the front.  The detail of the clothing, fox tail and feathers is unbelievable.  Arthur Holmes, Jr. is an outstanding carver and painter of dolls and this Ogre is one of his finest.

Condition: original condition

Provenance:  from the collection of an Albuquerque source

Recommended Reading: Kachinas a Hopi Artist’s Documentary by Barton Wright

                                                Following the Sun and Moon by Alph Secakuku