Three dolls by Ryon Polequaptewa of the Water Clan from the village of Songóopavi on Second Mesa. Ryon took inspiration from the dolls carved by his great-grandfather, Wilson Tewaquaptewa.(1873-1960) who was the last traditional kikmongwi of Orayvi Village. Ryon created these dolls in Tewaquaptewa’s iconic stye, which is a mixture of attributes from several katsinas, something Tewaquaptewa began in the 1920s and were not meant to represent a particular katsina or concept. The range from 10 to 11 inches without the feathers and are $450 each (ALL THREE IN TUCSON)
See: Barry Walsh, “Kikmongwi as Artist: The Katsina Dolls of Wilson Tawaquaptewa,” Winter 1998, American Indian Art magazine.
Cimarron Grover is famous for his quixotic and imaginative carving style, especially his frogs. He stopped carving recently so we feel fortunate to have run across the early and exceptional Pakwaa Mana (Frog Maiden) of his. 18 inches tall. $1800.
The Hoho Mana is by Ryan Gashweseoma and is 9 inches. $350. (TUCSON) A beautiful Angwusanomtaqa (in this form, wearing a Hopi white wedding robe, she is called Crow Bride) by Sandra Suhu. 10.75 inches high to wing tips and $400. A Tsöqaapölölö** or Mud Thrower katsina by Sean Macias. This one is 11 inches high and $240. (SANTA FE)
** He appears only in the Tewa village of Hano on First Mesa. When a wawarus or runner katsina challenges a Hopi-Tewa young man to a race, this katsina has been known to chase after them, throwing the clay at the runner katsina so the young man has a better chance at winning the race.
A Sio Ho’ote by Randy Brokeshoulder. 13.5 inches and $600. (TUCSON) In the center is a Talavai’i or Early Morning Katsina by Wally Grover, carved about 20 years ago. 10.75 inches tall. $300 (TUCSON) Last in the row is a Sösöpa or Cricket katsina by Hongvi Marquez. This one is 9.5 inches high to the tips of the grass and $325. (SANTA FE)
A Hahay’iwuuhti or Grandmother katsina holding a Hohomana cradle doll by Carl Nequatewa. A Koo’aa* Katsina, unsigned, measuring 13 inches high to feather tips and $275. A Monongye* or Lizard katsina, also unsigned. He is painted with man made paints. 12 inches high and $300. (ALL in SANTA FE)
*This particular pieces are unsigned as are all katsina dolls that are intended to be given to the children as those are supposed to be carved by the katsinas and therefore cannot be signed.
