Hopi Traditional Uhuhu Katsina, Scavenger Kachina Doll [SOLD]

This is an elaborately made Scavenger Katsina doll. It appears to be from the mid-twentieth century. The carved wood body is mostly clothed in a buckskin kilt and a fur chest covering. In the dolls' right hand is a significant knife. In the left hand is a spear. The mask is very elaborate. There are bulging eyes and a snout with teeth. On the head are three wood feathers. Across the forehead is a stick with a sun face on one end. Carved feathers serve as the ear on the left side of the mask.

Today, the Scavenger (Uhuhu) Katsina performs as a guard or disciplinarian. His staff and knife are indications of his control over Katsina dances. Also, he accompanies the Ogre Woman when she gathers all the items given to her during a ceremony. After she has filled her basket, the Scavenger Katsina picks up the remaining items and fills his basket. In this capacity, he is considered a part of the Ogre family of Katsinas. Historically, the Scavenger was considered a looter or scavenger of the Awatovi ruins, picking up anything of interest.

The Scavenger Katsina is not pictured in any of the books on katsina dolls which we researched, except for The Hopi Approach to the Art of Kachina Doll Carving by Erik Bromberg. It is a katsina not frequently carved by today's carvers.

What is a Kachina?

Condition: good condition with some repairs

Provenance: this Hopi Traditional Uhuhu Katsina, Scavenger Kachina Doll is from the collection of a client from California

Reference: The Hopi Approach to the Art of Kachina Doll Carving by Erik Bromberg

TAGS: Hopi Pueblo, Katsina Dolls