Hopi Talavai (Morning) Katsina Doll [SOLD]

According to Barton Wright, “The Talavai Kachina formerly appeared in pairs on the rooftops and sang songs, waking the people in the village. During the day they would dance with the other kachinas that they led and prompted in the singing. This role is no longer used in any of the villages. They still appear with the other Kachinas in the Powamu Ceremony and are most often standing in a set to one side of the main movement of the procession.”

I purchased this carving directly from Lowell Talashoma in November 1987 and sold it to a client the same month. Now, we have it back from that client for us to sell again. To put today’s price in perspective, it is relative to state that it was priced at $2195 in 1987, and only priced at $2500 today, 21 years later. Additionally, the artist has passed away since then. This is the bargain of the decade.

I have examined the carving closely with a magnifying glass to determine how much is from a single piece of cottonwood root and how much has been carved separately and attached. As well as I can determine, the fan of feathers behind the mask has been added, so have the feathers on top of the mask. Carving these separately is required because of the grain of the cottonwood root. As difficult as it may be, it appears that the tree is part of the original root, but it is also possible that it was carved separately and glued on, although I cannot find any evidence of glue.

The Talavai Katsina is one of the more spectacular katsinas because of the large fan of eagle feathers on the mask and the bell and spruce tree in his hands. This carving of the katsina is spectacular in the manner in which Talashoma carved it. The body proportions are excellent and the spruce tree is very realistic. The dancing position of the katsina with one leg raised is expertly featured. I cannot picture a better representation of this katsina.

The carving is signed Lowell Talashoma, Sr. on the underside. Although 21 years old, it shows no wear. It is in excellent condition.