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.
A Maakkatsina by Qöyangnuvtu Mowa, it is 7.25 inches high to feather tips. SOLD. A Kyarkatsina or Parrot katsina by Lean Monongye, 9.5 inches high and $50. At right is a Kuwan Heheya or Fancy/Colorful Heheya by Devon Poseyesva, just over 10.5 inches high to tallest feather tip and SOLD. (ALL IN SANTA FE)
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)
By Hongvi Marquez: a Honankatsina, 10 7/8 inches to feather tips and SOLD. (SANTA FE). Next is a Hoototo, or rain priest of the south by Ranier Koruh. 9 inches and $90. (Tucson). Last is a Saiastasana, or rain priest of the north, also by Ranier. 11 inches and $110. (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. An Ùmtoynaqa or Thunder katsina by Lean Monongye, 8.25 inches high to the top of the head and SOLD. (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 a Mastok* by Randy Brokeshoulder, 6.25 inches high and $70. (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.
The three dolls in the row above were all made by Zayviean Kewanwytewa. Left to right: A Tuneililli or Little River Katsina, 14.5 inches high and $100. A Hemis katsina measuring 20 inches high and SOLD. A Wakas or Cow katsina, 14 inches high and SOLD. (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 $85. A Kuwan Kookopölö or Fancy/Colorful Kokopelli by Lean Monongye. 8.25 inches high and $50. A Hahay’iwuuhti or Grandmother katsina by Horace Kayquoptewa, 9.5 inches high to feather tip and SOLD. (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
