Original Hopi Painting of a Pair of Qöqöle Katsinas by Kewanyama

The Qöqöle Katsina is a directional katsina and, as such, could appear with a mask in any of the six directional colors. In this painting, the masks are yellow. This is a Second Mesa version that wears buckskin clothing. The Third Mesa version generally wears old Anglo clothing. Qöqöle Katsinas tell stories and prophesize good crops. They bring gifts for the children. It is their responsibility to ensure cleaning of the springs.

This painting of two Qöqöle Katsinas in dance position is an excellent representation of their clothing. The buckskin clothing is presented in a fashion that it appears to be true buckskin that one could touch and feel the texture. The parrots on the heads of the Katsinas appear almost real. Kewanyama was an exceptional artist and this painting is an excellent reflection of his talent. It is signed L. Kewanyama Hopi 1963 in lower left. It is double matted and framed in a wood frame.

Leroy C. Kewanyama (1922-1997) So Kuva - Morning Star was born at Shungopavi Village, Second Mesa, on the Hopi Reservation.  As an adult, he moved to Winslow, Arizona, where he made a career of carving Katsina dolls and painting images of Katsina dances. He also made jewelry in the Hopi silver overlay style. He served in the United States Navy during World War II.

What is a Katsina?

Condition: very good condition

Provenance: this Original Hopi Painting of a Pair of Qöqöle Katsinas by Kewanyama is from the estate of the clients to whom we sold this in 2011

Recommended Reading: Modern by Tradition: American Indian Painting in the Studio Style by Bruce Bernstein, PhD, Author

TAGS: Hopi Pueblo, Leroy C. Kewanyama, Eldon Kewanyama, Fine Art - Native American Paintings, Hopi Kachina - Katsina Dolls, Southwest Indian Jewelry