Hopi Cottonwood Contemporary A’hote Katsina Doll Masterpiece [SOLD]

According to published information by Barton Wright, "A'hote may appear in any of the directional colors but the two most common colors are the yellow A'hote (Sikyahote) or the blue A'hote (Sakwahote). In a Plaza Dance it is not unusual to see a line of Sakwahote with several Sikyahote, and a white or red form as well." A'hote may appear in Mixed Katsina Dances or the Palölökong Dances as well as Plaza Dances.

This carving represents the yellow A’hote, or Sikyahote Katsina.  A’hote is considered to be an excellent hunter. The A’hote Katsina dress appears to be influenced from Plains Indian culture, particularly the buckskin skirt and full feather headdress.  The suspected influence of the Plains Indians is not documented.

This A’hote has a large black star on its face, chest, and both arms; protruding eyes, and a long snout.  In addition to the long flowing feather headdress on his back, there is a group of feathers spread across his head and two feathers protruding from his ears.  The artist has placed A’hote on the edge of a kiva from which he has just emerged.  He is heading to the plaza to participate in a dance.

Kevin Pochoema, born in 1965, is of the Greasewood Clan and is from the Hopi village of Bacavi on Third Mesa.  He is a top prizewinning carver, receiving prestigious awards from the O'odham Tash, Gallup Inter-tribal Indian Ceremonial, Museum of Northern Arizona, and many other venues.  His attention to detail, proper body proportions, flow of clothing, and preciseness of painting have been recognized by judges at such prestigious venues.

The carving is basically a one-piece work of art.  Kevin’s attention to detail is expressed in the fine care he spent on each feather of the flowing headdress, which is on the back of the doll where one would not normally see.  It is such attention that puts him above many other carvers.  The folds of the buckskin kilt and the flow of the embroidered sash hanging on his right clearly and beautifully illustrate the movement of the doll.  This is another masterpiece from Pochoema.

Condition: this Hopi Cottonwood Contemporary A'hote Katsina Doll Masterpiece is in new condition

Provenance: from the artist

Reference: Kachinas a Hopi Artist’s Documentary by Barton Wright with original paintings by Cliff Bahnimptewa.