Hopi Pueblo Rugan Corn Dancer Katsina Carved Doll [SOLD]

This Hopi Pueblo katsina doll appears ready for the spring dances and participates offering the promotion of the growth of corn. As a Rugan katsina, a corn dancer engages in his activities with the partnership of a female maiden. During the dance, the Rugan katsinas line up across from their maiden companions who play sheep scapulae and rasp along with gourds, producing music for the event. 

The back of this katsina’s mask is carefully painted with a butterfly while red ears reach out on either side. Turkey feathers alternate with pink and yellow feathers placed horizontally across his crown, extending outward. Traditionally, the feathers of the Rugan hang over the ears in pairs, however, on this carving they point to the four directions, with the back one having been broken off.    

His face is painted blue, with black and white around the edges. The eyes are pothook, and red painted arrows like lightning strikes flank a red and blue tube mouth on each side.  Pothook eyes, a blue mask and the butterfly are all components of the Poli Taka, or male butterfly katsina.  [Avanyu Publishing, 1993:156]. Therefore, this corn dancer may be created in reference to the Poli Taka katsina.

The katsina's chest is wrapped with yarn, alongside his right wrist and both calves.  Leather cuffs wrap each bicep and his left wrist. A highly decorated ceremonial belt and sash offer placement for a black kilt, which is embellished with red and green yarn.  Red moccasins adorn his feet decorated with red, black, and white kiva patterns across the heels.  This katsina’s carver proudly took great measures in his intricate creation.

What is a Kachina?

Condition: The left arm of this katsina has been broken and glued back together, and his paper belt is abraded but overall, the katsina doll is in good condition.  

Provenance: This Hopi Pueblo Rugan Corn Dancer Katsina Carved Doll is from a private California collection. 

Recommended Reading: Kachinas: a Hopi Artist’s Documentary by Barton Wright

Reference:  Avanyu Publishing, Kachinas: Spirit Beings of the Hopi

TAGS: Katsina Dolls, Hopi Pueblo, Hopi Kachina Dolls