Katsinas are spirit beings who are the intermediaries between the Hopi and their deities, carrying the prayers of the Hopis for the continuation of the cycle of life of all living things. They may represent the spirit of plants, animals, forces of natures, places or even other tribes. Some are known for their duties (eg: guard, clown...) and not all names are translatable. They appear in the plazas for Hopi villages for approximately 6 months of the year as they dwell in the katsina or spirit world for the other half of the year.
They are carved from the root of the cottonwood tree - used because the cottonwood grows only where there is an ample and consistent supply of water - rare around the Hopi mesas - and because of the water-seeking nature of the roots, which can grow out and down a couple hundred feet or more in search of the water table. If you are interested in learning more, visit our website
www.hopikatsina.com
Between our Santa Fe and Tucson stores we have somewhere between 400 and 500 katsinas so on our website we can only hope to show you a cross-section. Please contact us if you are looking for something specific that you do not see. We may have it or be able to acquire it for you
For each katsina we sell, we provide an information sheet similar to the ones above. (the Hemis katsina above has been sold)
A book on the Hopi by a Hopi. Currently out of print but you can find copies online. Secakuku provides greater context for the katsinas with insight from the Hopi point of view.
A great book. It profiles nearly 2 dozen Hopi katsina carvers - past and present. $16.95 Paperback.
Larry Melendez just brought in a Yungya or Cactus Katsina. 15 inches tall and $400. (TUCSON) On the right is a Sipikne or Zuni Warrior made by Ethan Waters. This one is 14.5 inches high and $600. (SANTA FE)
These two dolls were carved by the late Willard Maktima (1929-2025), grandfather of renowned jeweler, Duane Maktima. Top row, left to right: a Kookopölö, 7 7/8 inches high and $250. A Tasaf katsina, 12.75 inches high and $300.
An Omaw by Ryan Gashweseoma 12.25 inches tall and $425. Next is a Tsiitoto or Tobacco Flower katsina by Raynard Lalo. It is 11.75 inches high to feather tips and $300. Last in the row is a Kyarkatsina or Parrot katsina by Horace Kayquaptewa. 9 inches high and $275. (ALL in Santa Fe)
The three dolls in the row are all made by Hongvi Marquez: The Hahai’iwuuhti or Grandmother katsina is 9.5 inches high and $375. A Lenang or Flute katsina, 9 5/8 inches high and $400. (BOTH in SANTA FE) A Koyongo (Turkey) katsina by EThna Bryce of the Tobacco and Rabbit Clans. 9 inches tall. $300 (TUCSON)
A Pöökhonghoya by Ed Seechoma. 12 inches and $450. Totsa is the hummingbird katsina. This one by Brandon Kayquoptewa is 11 inches and $275. A Sio Navan or Zuni Velvet Shirt katsina by Randy Brokeshoulder. 17 inches to the tip of the feather and $350. (ALL in TUCSON)
A Navajo Clown by Darance “Makwesa” Chimerica. 10 5/8 inches high to feather tips and $325. Next is a Ngayayataqa or Swaying Man katsina by Shawn Deel. 10 inches high and $425. A Hilili by William Gashweseoma. 8.5 inches high and SOLD. (ALL IN SANTA FE)
A Palhikwmana or Butterfly Maiden by Jared Quamahongnewa. She is 16.75 inches high to feather tip and $450. Next is a Kwewu or Wolf katsina by Eric Kayquaptewa. 10.75 inches high and $280. Last in the row is a Tsiitoto or Tobacco Flower katsina by Tayron Polequaptewa. 11 inches high to feather tips and $300. (ALL in SANTA FE)
A Hoototo or Rain Priest of the South by Nick Brokeshoulder. 12 5/8 inches high and $300. An Angwus or Crow katsina by Eric Kayquaptewa. 7.75 inches high and $180. At right is a Natukvika or Split katsina by Tayron Polequaptewa. 11 7/8 inches high and $450 ON HOLD. (ALL in SANTA FE)
A beautifully detailed traditional style doll by Ethan Waters, 11.5 inches tall (including base.) He is depicted here as he would appear in one of the summer dances - with gifts for both boys and girls. $800. See an additional photo in the Highly Detailed Katsina gallery. The Paakwa or Frog was carved by Logan Honanie. 10.5 inches tall and $375. A Nakyatsopkatsina* by Tayron Polequaptewa, this one has been distressed to make it look aged. 13 7/8 inches high and $330. (ALL in SANTA FE)
This particular katsina is very similar in appearance to the Early Morning katsina and its name is sometimes translated as Silent Warrior, Silent Katsina or Ladder Dance katsina – the latter is a reference to a ceremony which disappeared nearly two centuries ago that involved a spruce tree, notched like a ladder, that swung out over the edge of the mesa.
By Brendan Kayquoptewa is this Kocha Hon or White Bear. 12 inches high and $325. A Kwewu or Wolf katsina by Markus Barton. 11 inches high and $300. A Wakas or Cow katsina by Shawn Deel. The horns are antler, 7.25 inches high and $450. (ALL in Santa Fe)
By Lenno Polingyumptewa, the two figures at left are considered Mong or Chief katsinas. The Ahoolì and Ewtoto are being sold as a pair for $1,100. The Ahoolì is 14 5/8 inches high to feather tips while the Ewtoto is 11 inches high to the top of the head. A Qööqöqlö by Tayron Polequaptewa, 8 5/8 inches high and $250. (ALL in SANTA FE)
A Laguna hunter by Eric Holmes. 9 inches (not including feathers) $160. The Mudhead is by Kevin Quanimptewa. 7 inches and $200. An Aya or Rattle katsina by Ethan Bryce. 9 inches high to feather tips and $300. (ALL in TUCSON).
A Sakwa Honan or Blue Badger katsina by Larsen Harris Jr. This one is 16 inches high to feather tip and $450. A Qööqöqlö by Horace Kayquaptewa, 10.25 inches high and $275. At right is a Navookatsina or Cactus Flower katsina by William Gashweseoma. 8.75 inches high and $200. (ALL in SANTA FE)
