Also called "cradle dolls' because they are given to Hopi infants, Putsqatihut or flat dolls are the very oldest form of katsinas dolls among the Hopi. After a child has gone through his or her naming ceremony 20 days after birth, the first one received is the Hahay'i wuuhti or katsina grandmother. The next is the katsinmana or katsina maiden. After that they may receive any katsina doll. The katsinas themselves carve them for the young girls who continue to receive them (usually more fully formed and detailed ones as they grow older) until they are initiated into the Hopi Katsina Society.
A Kuwan Hehey’a by Qöyangnuvtu Mowa that is 10 inches to the top of the feather and $65. The Kookopölö is by Andrew Coriz, 9 inches and $48. Next is a Honani or Badger katsina by Max Curley. 15 inches high and $185. To the right is a fabulous Eagle also by Max. 19 inches tall and $240.
The Aya is on hold and in Tucson. The next one is by Eric Holmes, an Avatshoya, one of many corn katsinas. 12 inches high and $90. At far right is a Sösöpa or Cricket katsina by Eric Kayquaptewa. It is 12.5 inches high to tips of grass and $40.
Each of these are by Larry Melendez, of the Butterfly Clan from the village of Sitsom’ovi on First Mesa. They average by 5.5 inches tall and each is $30. From left to right, top to bottom: Two Qöqölö (yellow for south and black for north), frog, two different feathered Taawa/Sun, and a Hahai Wuuhti. (TUCSON)
The first two dolls in the photos at left are by Ranier Koruh: a Hoototo, or rain priest of the south, 9 inches and $90; A Saiastasana, or rain priest of the north, 11 inches and $110. (Both in TUCSON) The next two are both by Darance Chimerica and both are in SANTA FE
A Paakwa or Frog, 10 inches high and $130. (TUCSON) The Sakwa Honan is 12 inches high to feather tips and $160. (TUCSON)
The Katsinmana is made by Devon Poseyesva, 10 inches high and $75. A Palhikwmana or Butterfly Maiden by Qöyangnuvtu Mowa, she is 7 inches high to the top of her head and $70. A Hon katsina or Black bear by Darance Chimerica, this one is 12 inches high to feather tips and $160. The Angwusanomtaqa or Crow Mother by Eric Kayquoptewa. 8 inches high and $50. (ALL in SANTA FE)
A Sootukwnangwu or Sky Deity by Leander Tenakhongva, 20.75 inches high to the feather tip and $185. (SANTA FE) A Hahay’iwuuhti by Brendan Kayquoptewa. 11 inches and $80. (TUCSON) Last in the row is Paakwa or Frog by Lean Monongye. This one is 8.5 inches high and SOLD. The Patnga Mana or Squash Maiden is 8.25 inches high and SOLD. (SANTA FE)
*Named for a type of fly, this katsina often carries a Hopi throwing stick, used in hunting rabbits. The dots on the mask represent the constellations we know as the Big Dipper and the Pleiades.
A Kocha Hon or White Bear by Hongvi Marquez. 6.75 inches high and $70. The next two in the row are both by Eric Kayquoptewa. The Pawik or Duck in the middle is 9.5 inches high to feather tips and SOLD. The Palhikwmana or Dew Drinking Maiden is 12.75 inches high to feather tip and $60. (SANTA FE)
The Yöngöksina or Turtle katsina is by Nick Brokeshoulder. 11 inches high to feather tips and $110. A Wakas or Cow Katsina by Hongvi Marquez. Just under 10 inches high and SOLD. A Kuwan Kookopölö or Fancy/Colorful Kokopelli by Lean Monongye. 8.25 inches high and $50. (ALL IN SANTA FE)
A Hahai’iwuuhti or Grandmother katsina by Eric Kayquoptewa. 15 inches high to the top of her head and $160. (SANTA FE)
A Palhikwmana by Raynard Lalo. 21 inches to top of tablita. $300. (TUCSON)
This Qööqöqlö by Ryon Polequaptewa is ~14 inches and is $400.
To combat the intrusion of non-Hopi traditions, specifically Santa Claus and Christmas, he was assigned the task of taking presents to Hopi children just before Christmas Day. He is also known as a storyteller
