Hopi Most Unique Ogre with Captive Boy Katsina Doll [SOLD]

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Artist Unknown

Early 20th century carvers of Katsina Dolls sometimes had difficulty carving dolls to the degree of accuracy to those made for Hopi tribal members.  Partly, this was because katsina dolls were then considered more sacred than they appear to be today. For a Hopi who was serious in his beliefs, it was not acceptable to him or others for him to make a truly-represented carving to be sold to a white person, yet, the need to sell for funds was necessary and desirable.  To overcome this dilemma, some of the more conservative carvers would make a change or two to a carving so that it did not accurately represent a true katsina.

That may or may not be the condition that influenced this carving.  Only minor changes from features of the Scavenger Katsina appear on this carving. The face and the captured boy in the basket clearly indicate that this is O'hoho an Ogre Katsina. The head crown is a representation of feathers.  According to Mark Bahti, O'hoho is a Tewa katsina and appears only at the Tewa village of Hano.  As an ogre katsina, he has captured a small boy who perhaps had been troublesome.  Erik Bromberg, author of a book on Katsina dolls, states that Uhuhu (different spelling) was a looter of the ruins of Awatowi.

The fearsome Ogre Katsinas usually stand directly behind the member of their crew who is bargaining with the relatives of the children.  They are supposed to be able to eat a child whole; from the very earliest age, the child has heard stories of these monsters—how they would descend on children playing near the village and haul them away to cook and eat.  It is no wonder, then, that the children are petrified at their appearance.

This katsina is wearing a black vest and a very skimpy loincloth.  His legs are painted white and have black dots below the knees. His feet have traces remaining of the natural green pigment seen on older dolls.  There are black dots on both arms below the elbows. On his back, the ogre carries a basket with a captured child inside. The large array of turkey feathers on the actual katsina, meant to make him appear taller and broader than normal, is well represented by the large headdress of feathers attached to the mask of this doll.

Many of Wilson Tawaquaptewa’s (ca.1872 - 1960) carvings have the feel of this one.  He seems to have liked adding large ears or protrusions on the masks, such as that on this carving,  and he used mellow paints as on this one. Also, many of his dolls have black dots on legs and arms. I have not, however, seen any of his carvings with legs in the walking position of this carving.  If he made carvings in motion, it probably would have been late in his career when action dolls began appearing. Perhaps he gave movement a try. It is not likely, however, that this was made by Wilson Tawaquaptewa.

This doll was coated in white kaolin pigment over which the pigments in color were placed.  The mask is brown with white, red, and blue vertical stripes, each divided by a narrow black line.  He has the bulging eyes and long snout of an Ogre Katsina. If he carried anything in his hands, they are no longer there.

This is one of most amazing and strikingly exciting katsina dolls to appear lately.  He moves forward with assurance, leans slightly forward to offset the weight of the basket on his back.  He stands with both feet on the ground, but not in a stable position. A supporting stand would be required if he were to be displayed on table top.  He is provided with a string to hang on a wall in a profile position.


Condition: this Hopi Most Unique Ogre with Captive Boy Katsina Doll is in very good condition with normal wear patterns.

Provenance: from the collection of a gentleman from the Midwest.

Recommended Reading: “Kikmongwi as Artist: The Katsina Dolls of Wilson Tawaquaptewa” by Barry Walsh.  In American Indian Art Magazine, Winter 1996.

Close up view of the Ogre's face.

Artist Unknown
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