Hopi Pueblo Third Mesa Wicker Plaque with Katsina Image [SOLD]

This large and exquisite Hopi Third Mesa wicker plaque features the image of a Hopi Katsina, but we have not yet determined which katsina is presented.  The image features not only the face but the clothing as well.  The face of the katsina is turquoise, and there appear to be white feathers on its head, black hair draped alongside the face, a green ruff around the neck, and a flowing body of clothing.  Arched over the head of the katsina is a semicircle perhaps representing clouds.

The background was a bright orange, which has faded a bit over the years into a softer tone.  The colors used here work together wonderfully, and the design was executed skillfully.  At over a foot in diameter, it’s a large and impressive piece.

Condition: very good condition with some fading of dyes.  Fading of dyed colors is routine with Third Mesa wicker plaque because of the vegetal dyes used in the process.

Provenance:  this Hopi Pueblo Third Mesa Wicker Plaque with Katsina Image is from the large collection of a gentleman from California

Recommended Reading: AMERICAN INDIAN BASKETS I 1,500 Artist Biographies by Gregory Schaaf

Relative Links: Southwest Indian Basketry, Hopi Pueblo, Hopituh Shi-nu-mu