Hopi Pueblo Tasap Katsina Doll Carving

This carving of the Tasap Katsina is one rarely seen as the other Tasap dolls are more often presented. There are five different Tasap Katsinas illustrated in Barton Wright's book, Kachinas: a Hopi Artist's Documentary. This Tasap has an elaborately painted body and clothing imitation of what the specific Navajo god would wear, according to Hopi thoughts. It appears to be a c.1940 carving. This Tasap is the only one with a tripod on his head.

"This kachina was apparently inspired by one of the Navajo Gods, Naastadji, the Fringe-mouth God. However, he has no Hopi name other than Tasap or Navajo Kachina. The Tasap is not seen too often, but when he does appear it is usually in the Soyohim." [Wright. 1973:151]

"It has been incorrectly stated that the Tasap Kachina came from the Navajo. It does only in the sense that the Bee Kachina comes from bees. It was never a Navajo dance figure. But it is instead the Hopis' interpretation of their neighbors. He is a very popular kachina. This popularity is the reason for the variety of Tasap Kachinas and is undoubtedly one of the reasons that he may be selected for the Niman Ceremony instead of the Hemis Kachina. Usually, he performs in the plaza as a regular kachina dance (sic). The actual dance is one of rather monotonous stamping that is broken at intervals by some rather interesting turns and calls." [ibid 1973:180]

What is a Kachina?

Condition: very good condition for its age. Feathers display typical wear patterns.

Provenance: this Hopi Pueblo Tasap Katsina Doll Carving is from the collection of a gentleman from California.

Reference: Wright, Barton. Kachinas: a Hopi Artist's Documentary

TAGS: Katsina Dolls, Hopi Pueblo, Hopi Kachina Dolls