Hopi Pueblo Carving of a Buffalo Social Dancer [SOLD]

In addition to regular Katsina dances in the Hopi villages, there are non-katsina dances as well, referred to as social dances.  This carving represents one of the social dancers, a Buffalo Dancer.  He does not wear a mask of a katsina but reveals his face.  Dancers such as this also participate in dances at New Mexico Pueblos.

This is an all-wood carving with pre-1940s matte paints.  It is likely a 1930s carving.  The doll’s face and body are painted brown as would be expected of one representing a buffalo.  His black hair has white dots that represent eagle down feathers.  His torso has white lightning designs.  He wears a kilt and a fox tail on the back of his kilt.  What appears to have been hair on the back of the head no longer exists.

What is a Kachina?

Condition: very good condition

Provenance: this Hopi Pueblo Carving of a Buffalo Social Dancer was purchased from Alan Kessler Gallery in Santa Fe by the current owner

Recommended Reading: Hopi Social Dance Events and how they Function by Joann W Kealiinohomoku (Author), School of American Research, 1978.

TAGS: Hopi Pueblo, Katsina Dolls