Hopi Pueblo Traditionally Carved Katsina Doll by Wilson Tawaquaptewa [SOLD]

This Hopi Katsina doll by Wilson Tawaquaptewa is an excellent example of this famous Hopi carver's work.  Tawaquaptewa's Katsina dolls are unique. What distinguishes his dolls from all others of the same era (1920-1960) is that his carvings, ostensibly representing specific Katsinas, bear little resemblance to the actual Katsina figures that dance in the villages during the Hopi ceremonial cycle. Thus, one cannot make a positive identification as to what Tawaquaptewa's Katsinas dolls are intended to represent.

Tawaquaptewa was Kikmongwi (Chief) of Oraibi Village at the time of the famous rift that occurred on September 8, 1906, which divided the village into progressives and traditionalists. The progressives were in favor of cooperating with the U.S. Government's policy that Hopi children must go to school. The traditionalists wanted nothing to do with the government's policies.

Tawaquaptewa is the earliest carver that Adobe Gallery know by name and he created figures that were given to the children as well as pieces that he sold. His carving career spanned at least four decades.

Tawaquaptewa would unhesitatingly alter the iconography of a Katsina doll in subtle ways. All his pieces were beautifully made, and his style is quite identifiable although it is sometimes difficult to determine which katsina he had in mind while carving. This was not by accident. As a religious leader at Hopi, he was not comfortable with selling authentic katsina dolls to tourists, so he made slight changes to the carvings. This satisfied his conflict with religion and sales and appeased the tourist who was unaware of the deception.

An undated postcard of the carver sitting outside among a group of his carvings is included with the purchase of this doll.

Condition: this Hopi Pueblo Traditionally Carved Katsina Doll by Wilson Tawaquaptewa is in very good condition

Provenance: from a gentleman collector

Reference: Kikmongwi as Artist: The Katsina Dolls of Wilson Tawaquaptewa by Barry Walsh. American Indian Art Magazine, Vol. 24, No. 1, Winter 1998.

Relative Links: Katsina Dolls, Hopi Pueblo, Wilson Tawaquaptewa

Katsina Doll making at Hopi Pueblo, Arizona. Image Source: from postcard Published by Frashers, Inc., Pomona, Calif.