Emory Pohuma Hopi Pueblo Antelope Katsina Doll in Animated Position

This Hopi Pueblo katsina doll has been attributed to Emory Pohuma by the current owner, however, it is not signed with the name of the artist. We accept the owner's opinion.

This Antelope Katsina doll is presented in a very active dance position and is totally balanced. He has his head turned to the side, knees slightly bent, and body leaning forward. The artist painted the doll with soft pastel shades of blue. He has the typical markings of the Antelope Katsina.

The Hopi name for the Antelope katsina is Chöf. "Like most of the game animals, the Antelope is danced as a prayer for the increase of his kind. When he appears, whether in the kiva or as a group in the plaza, it is in the hope that more of his kind will be around for harvesting by the Hopis. The Hopis may offer him cornmeal and prayer feathers and explicitly state the wish that he will remain and allow them to take some members of the Antelope family." Wright 1973:165

Emory Pohuma (?-1991) resided in the First Mesa village of Sichomovi in the Hopi Reservation, Arizona. He won many awards for traditional katsina dolls at the Museum of Northern Arizona during his career as a carver.

What is a Katsina?

Condition: very good condition

Provenance: this Emory Pohuma Hopi Pueblo Antelope Katsina Doll in Animated Position is from the collection of a client from New Jersey

Reference:

- Hopi Katsina 1,600 Artist Biographies by Gregory Schaaf

- Kachinas: a Hopi Artist’s Documentary by Barton Wright

TAGS: Hopi Pueblo, Katsina Dolls, Emory Pohuma