Hopi Pueblo Wiharu Katsina, White Ogre Kachina Doll by Neil David [SOLD]

This small White Ogre katsina doll by Hopi-Tewa artist Neil David is a most detailed and astonishing carving by David.  It may be only a little over 7 inches in height, but it is filled with every detail of clothing to the most intricate scale. The fan of feathers behind the head exhibits each individual hair of the feathers.  The bulging eyes are mysteriously hidden under two pairs of feathers, making the ogre appear more ominous.  The huge mouth is a sign to the children that the Ogre can eat a child in one gulp.

Departing from the mask, looking at the body reveals an astonishing attention to detail—the animal fur shoulder wrap has detailed lines of hair, the small amount of the cape that is visible was not overlooked on the chest.  It was further elaborated over the back of the doll, showing lines of hair of the deer skin.  The loincloth shows details of the fabric’s texture, as does that of the embroidered sash off to the right of the doll.  The cotton leggings show details of the weaving process as well as the fringes on each. The right hand, holding the fearful saw, has the index finger at a different angle from the other fingers. On the back, there is a quiver of arrows with the feathers of the arrows each carved individually.

Having known Neil David for decades, and having purchased many carvings from him during those years, it is no exaggeration to state that this is the finest katsina doll I have ever seen from him.  It is signed on the underside of the pedestal and dated ‘92.

Condition: excellent condition

Provenance: this Hopi Pueblo Wiharu Katsina, White Ogre Kachina Doll by Neil David is from a private Santa Fe collection

Reference: Wright, Barton.  KACHINAS: a Hopi artist’s documentary

Relative Links: Native American Pintings, Katsina dolls, Hopi Pueblo, drawing, painting, carving, Hopi-Tewa , Neil's children, Neil Randall David, Hopi-Tewa Carver