Kachina Doll Hopi Pueblo Twentieth Century Tasap Katsina [SOLD]

Tasap is a Hopi representation of a Navajo God. There are Hopi versions of katsinam that honor and depict other tribes, such as the Navajo, Havasupai, Comanche, Zuni and other Pueblos. This Hopi Pueblo Katsina carving is in perfectly good scale and proportions imitating the body of a young man.  It is above average for a late twentieth century carving.  The torso is lean, the kilt hangs down to the knees as expected, the white sash was beautifully carved and painted and the moccasins executed in fine detail with slightly upturned toes.  The carver has achieved the techniques of carving to scale.

This is the Hopi version of what the Navajo katsinam might look like. These katsinam are not borrowed from the Navajo, as they are unique to the Hopi. They have the same purpose and functions as all Hopi katsinam. They are messengers and/or intermediaries to the rain gods. Since they are katsinam in every respect, they are afforded the same reverence and dignity during their visits.

Condition: in very good condition.  The feathers are mussed up a bit but that is to be expected.

Provenance: this Kachina Doll Hopi Pueblo Twentieth Century Tasap Katsina is from the collection of a gentleman from New York

Recommended Reading: Kachinas: a Hopi Artist’s Documentary by Barton Wright with original paintings by Cliff Bahnimptewa.

Relative Links: Kachina – Katsina Doll, Hopi Pueblo