Hopi Pueblo Bear Warrior Katsina Doll by Otto Pentewa [SOLD]

Otto Pentewa (1889-1961) and Wilson Tawaquaptewa (1873-1960) were the first Hopi katsina carvers to have dolls attributed to them by name. Both carvers became famous in the 1920s-1930s and each had a very distinctive style. Collectors, with little difficulty, are able to identify the unsigned carvings of these two individuals.

There is an excellent article entitled "The Katsina Carvings of Otto Pentewa," by Barry Walsh in American Indian Art Magazine, Summer 2001. I strongly recommend it to anyone interested in works by Pentewa. It may be purchased directly from the publisher.

It is not known exactly what Otto had in mind with this carving. It appears to be a bear, but he sports horns. There are bear marks on his cheeks and snout and a warrior mark on his forehead. We have concluded that it is a bear warrior.

The carving is from a single piece of cottonwood root, with the horns and snout added. It has the traditional carving of the feet in the style of Otto Pentewa. In this case, the moccasins extend up to his knees. He also has his hands and arms tucked against his body, which is another trait of the carver. Pentewa used the natural curve of the cottonwood root in all of his carvings.

This katsina doll is in remarkable condition for a carving from the 1930s. He seems to have a gourd rattle in his right hand, but it is no longer there. He carries a bow in his left hand. There are three holes in the top of the mask where feathers were attached, but they have been removed in accordance with Federal Regulations.