Hopi Tawa (Sun) Katsina Doll, circa 1950s [SOLD]

Tawa is a representation of the spirit of the Sun. He appears in dances although not too frequently.  He may appear as a side dancer or in a Mixed Dance.  He is not often personated.  The face of the katsina represents the sun with the feathers representing rays of the sun.

This doll carries a gourd rattle in his right hand and a squash blossom in his left. He wears an elaborate Hopi embroidered wide sash around his waist that hangs down his right side.  There is a bundle of feathers protruding from the back of the mask.

The doll will stand unsupported and there is a string around its neck by which to hang it if desired.

Condition:  the handle to the squash blossom in the left hand has been broken and glued at the hand.

Provenance: from the collection of a family from Oregon

Recommended Reading:  Kachinas: a Hopi Artist’s Documentary by Barton Wright and Cliff Bahnimptewa.