Hopi Katsinas
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Brandon Kayquoptewa

Jerel Quamahongnewa, a member of the Spider Clan from Hotevilla Village brought these in to us:
At left is Sólàawitsi katsina dancer who in turn represents the spirit of a being whose name is usually translated as Fire God, though his name might be best translated as Sun's Speaker.   He usually carries a pack made of fawn skin, filled with seeds for the Spring planting.   At Zuni he appears during the Winter Solstice, when the sun begins its return journey.   7 inches high not including feathers.   $125.
The one at right is Hakto, a Zuni kokko adopted and adapted by the Hopi from the Zuni, where he is known as Yamuhakto, the spirit of the forest.   When he appears he carries in his hand deer antlers, symbolizing the forest home of the deer.8.5 inches high.   $225.

A Momo or Bee katsina, by Jerel Qumahongnewa,   10.5 inches high and   $300.

The little Tsili/Chili katsina was brought in to us by Jerel Quamahongnewa this summer at our Santa Fe shop.   One of the wawarus or runner katsinas (you do NOT want to lose a race against one of these unless you really, really, really like hot chili), it is 7 inches high and   $125.

Sherald Holquin is a carver from Moencopi Village who now lives here in Tucson.   Sherald has been carving for about twenty years and we have handled his work for most of that time.   As he works in the building trades, we don’t get his work as often as collectors wish we did.

(left)   A Mongwa or Owl warrior-hunter, back from a scuccessful hunt, by Sherald Holguin.   6.5 inches high.   $525

The Tumoala katsina represents the devilsclaw plant, a source of edible seeds and --for some tribes-- the black sticthing material for baskets.   By Jarret James, 11.5 inches high to the tip of the feather, priced at $220.

These two Koshares are trying to get off the ground in their Mudhead Balloon at the Albuquerque Balloon fiesta.   $300.

Larry Melendez of the Butterfly Clan, from First Mesa, made this two-horned Koyemsi or Mudhead katsina,   11.5 inches high and $240.

This is one of the guard katsinas, called WUUYAQQÖTÖ in Hopi, the name translates as the descriptive broad-faced katsina.   13 inches high and 12 inches across, it was carved by Wayland Namingha, a young but very talented carved from the Bear Clan at Musangnovi Village on Second Mesa.   $600.

The Palhikwmana or Butterfly Maiden appears during a social dance called, appropriately enough, the Butterfly Dance in early Fall for the benefit of the harvest.   As a reminder of family ties and their importance, her dancing partner is always a relative.   The head-dress is made by the male partner/relative as a gesture of thanks, since the women are allowed to ask the men to dance.   Her long hair represents the fall of gentle rain.   Symbols of clouds, rain, lightning, the sun and rainbows, even corn are used in the tablita or headdress.   By Randy Howato of First Mesa.   16.5 inches high,   $450.