Hopi Puppet Koyemsi (Mudhead) Katsina Doll [R]

From what we have been able to determine, based on information from several Katsina doll experts, Henry Seeni made these puppet dolls starting around 1953. The Hopi elders objected to his making toys out of Katsina images, so he apparently ceased making them at that time.

According to John Hill of John Hill Antique Indian Art in Scottsdale, in personal conversation, “I think Henry had a brother involved in making these puppets, and I am pretty sure they were made into the 1970s. A shop in San Francisco, on Grant I think, had these dolls in that time period. He or they made some very distinctive Katsinas, like bears also.”

The puppet can be made to move with proper manipulation of the strings. The arms and legs are pegged to the body and all four appendages are moveable. This puppet is provided with a metal stand for display purposes.

Several different katsinas of this puppet style are published in the book referenced below, on page 276.

Jimmy Koots also made puppet Katsina dolls in the early 1950s, but the work of the two men can be distinguished by the body style, particularly in the hips where the legs are attached. You can see an example of a Koyemsi (Mudhead) Puppet Katsina by James Kootshongsie (click here to see it now). 

Condition:  very good condition except toes are missing on both feet

Provenance: from the collection of a gentleman from California

Recommended Reading: Hopi Katsina: 1,600 Artist Biographies by Gregory and Angie Schaaf