Hopi Pueblo Hilili Katsina Doll Carving [SOLD]

This is a large and massive carving of the Hilili Katsina.  He stands unaided even though he leans forward as if ready to take a step.  It is easy to see how the Hopi children would be impressed, maybe even scared of this big katsina.  This is basically an all-wood carving, with the addition of a few accoutrements—yucca in his hands, fur draped on his back, and feathers on his head.  He wears a kilt with embroidered designs, a wide Hopi sash with embroidered designs, and a red and black sash around his waist.  He wears blue moccasins.  His ears are large squares crossed with an X design.  On his head is an elaborate sun face circle attached to a long stick which is tied with feathers.

“Hilili is apparently a kachina that has made its way from Acoma or Laguna by a process of osmosis.  In these pueblos, he is known as Heleleka.  By the time he reached the Hopis prior to the turn of the century, his name had changed to Hilili, ‘from the call that he makes.’  His first appearance was among the Hopi of First Mesa and the other two mesas made known their disapproval by calling this a witch or Powak Kachina.  However, his popularity as a guard kachina and admiration for his rapid dance has increased.  Now he is found on all the mesas in a great variety of forms.  He appears very frequently in the Powamu and in the Night Dances.” [Wright, 1973:43]

What is a Kachina?

Condition: very good condition with minor abrasions and cracks.

Provenance: this Hopi Pueblo Hilili Katsina Doll Carving is from the collection of a gentleman from California

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

Relative Links: Kachina – Katsina Doll, Hopi Pueblo