Hopi Pueblo Katsina Doll by Wilson Tawaquaptewa [SOLD]

Hopi Katsina doll by Wilson Tawaquaptewa (1873-1960). An excellent example of this famous Hopi carver's work. Circa 1930s. Minor paint loss at shoulders, otherwise excellent condition.

Tawaquaptewa's Katsina dolls are unique. What distinguishes his dolls from all others of the same era (1920-1960) is that his carvings, ostensibly representing specific Katsinas, bear little resemblance to the actual Katsina figures that dance in the villages during the Hopi ceremonial cycle. Thus, one cannot make a positive identification as to what Tawaquaptewa's Katsinas dolls are intended to represent.