Hopi Cottonwood Navankatsina - Velvet Shirt Katsina Doll [SOLD]

It is believed that the Navan Katsina originated at the Village of Moencopi on Third Mesa sometime after 1900. He is a very colorful Katsina with his velvet shirt and colorful ribbons. He represents the blooming of plant life and the beauty of life, as illustrated by the flowers on his head. His songs are prayers for rain to sustain life. Secakuku 1995

This carving of the Navankatsina is from cottonwood root and pigments with no added materials.  The pedestal on which it stands is 3-1/2” tall and 4-3/4” diameter.  The artist incised his name B. Kayquoptewa, the date 98, two small initials PK, three rabbit tracks on the side of the pedestal and three painted flowers on the front.

The Hopi sash on the right side of the katsina is most elaborate as are the neck ruff and bundle of feathers on the back of the head.  Overall, the carving is a work of art embellished with an exceptional well designed and applied paint palette. 

The artist is a young Hopi from the village of Hotevilla on Third Mesa. He graduated from Hopi High School and attended the University of Arizona.  He has won many awards for his carvings from the Heard Museum Hopi Shows.

Condition: the upright feather was previously snapped off and has been re-attached, otherwise in original condition.

Provenance:  from the collection of an Albuquerque source

Recommended Reading:

Hopi Katsina 1600 Artist Biographies by Gregory Schaaf

 Following the Sun and Moon by Alph Secakuku