Hopi Pavatava (Tadpole) Katsina Doll [SOLD]

This katsina is one of the most elusive figures in the Hopi pantheon. Because he appears so infrequently in ceremonies, very little has been published about him, making this carving a significant find for the serious student of Hopi culture. He represents a Tadpole Katsina. 

He stands firmly on his feet without additional support. He is mostly an all-wood carving with only minor attachments of a leather cape draped over his shoulder and two red feathers on his head. The matte paints lead to a date of pre World War II carvings. He is simply dressed in black pants over which is a loin cloth. Off the right hip is a traditional Hopi embroidered sash. His head covering is that of likely a war bonnet

This kachina  may be a warrior since he wears a war bonnet of sorts.  His name may be derived from a particular place or pueblo  (possibly Zuni) where he first appeared. This is because the name may come from two words: pakwa--frog, and obi-place. His Hopi name is Pavatava. The Tewa name is Paknabi or Pakwabi. The English name is Tadpole.

This katsina has appeared so infrequently, there is very little published information. Harold Colton states "Said to be a Zuni Kachina, but not on Zuni list."

When we were preparing to publish Kachinas - Spirit beings of the Hopi in the early 1990s, we showed a Neil David painting of this katsina to a resident of Kykotsmovi and he said "This is the Old Oraibi form of the Kachina." Another Hopi told us that "He also only appears at First Mesa, and then only rarely."

What is a Katsina? 

This katsina is mentioned in the following publications, some of which show a photograph, but very little definitive information:

- Kachinas - Spirit beings of the Hopi by Avanyu Publishing, 1993, page 86. Neil David painting on the adjacent page.

- Hopi Kachina Dolls with a Key to their Identification by Harold S. Colton, 1959 . plate #213, page 68.

- Hopi Katcinas Drawn by Native Artists by Jesse Walter Fewkes, 1850-1930, plate XLVI

- The Hopi Approach to the Art of Kachina Doll Carving by Erik Bromberg, page 56.

Condition: very good condition with some paint abrasions on the back.

Provenance: this Hopi Pavatava (Tadpole) Katsina Doll is rom the collection of a client from California

TAGS: Katsina Dolls, Hopi Pueblo, Hopi Kachina Dolls