Hopi Pueblo I’she Katsina Doll with Tablet on Head, c.1930s [SALE PENDING - RL]

This katsina doll displays characteristics of circa 1930s carvings. It is tall and slender, the arms from shoulder to elbow are longer than normal, the arms from elbow to hand are shorter than normal, the arms are tucked to the body, and the pigments predate the use of commercial paints, that is they are thicker applications of mineral pigments.

This carving is a rare example of a Hopi Katsina known as I'she or the Mustard Green Katsina. The disc on his head traditionally holds a ring of eagle feathers. This katsina appears in early spring as a wild food. His case mask is light green, ears are red, eyes are rectangular, warrior marks on cheeks, and a triangular mouth. All of these characteristics match Colton's explanation of I'she. [Colton 1959:76]

A past owner of this doll made a wood stand for support since both feet are broken off. The stand works well for support.

What is a Kachina?

Condition: very good condition for its age, however both feet have broken off and the feathers are nothing but remaining ribs.

Provenance: this Hopi Pueblo I'she Katsina Doll with Tablet on Head, c.1930s is from the collection of a client from Santa Fe

Reference: Colton, Harold S. Hopi Kachina Dolls: with a Key to their Identification. University of New Mexico Press, Albuquerque, 1959

TAGS: Katsina Dolls, Hopi Pueblo, Hopi Kachina Dolls