Kevin Pochoema Seated Mudhead Katsina Doll with Drum

Kevin Pochoema is a master at carving one-piece katsina dolls. This recent one features a Mudhead seated on a tree stump with a drum resting on his leg. He holds a beater in his right hand in a position indicating he is ready for a beat on the drum. The Mudhead has his head slightly tipped to the right. The mask of the katsina is incredibly detailed with numerous carved feathers. The upright feathers on the mask were not added but were carved as part of the head, an incredible accomplishment. Around his neck is tied a red scarf. The doll's legs are crossed as the drummer is seated on a trunk perched on a series of stacked flat stones.

The Mudheads wear only a scarf around his neck and a remnant of a woman's black manta which serves to cover from the waist. The illustration of the manta in this carving is so detailed that it appears to be a textile weaving.

Kevin Pochoema is a very famous Hopi carver of contemporary Katsina dolls. He is from the village of Bacavi at Third Mesa on the Hopi Reservation. He has garnered many awards for his carvings — in 1989-92 at O'odham Tash; 1991 Best of Class; 1992 Best Concept Carving, 1st, 3rd Inter-tribal Indian Ceremonial; 1996 1st Over 15" Katina Dolls at Museum of Northern Arizona Hopi Marketplace. His concentration on detail, proper body proportions, flow of clothing, and preciseness of painting have been recognized by judges at such prestigious venues. We have been featuring Kevin's dolls for over a decade and yet we still marvel at the amazing detail of his carvings.

What is a Katsina? 

Condition: excellent original condition

Provenance: this Kevin Pochoema Seated Mudhead Katsina Doll with Drum is directly from the artist

Recommended Reading: Clowns of the Hopi: Tradition Keepers and Delight Makers by Barton Wright

TAGS: Hopi Pueblo,  Kachina - Katsina Doll, Kevin Pochoema