Flat Dolls-Putskatihu

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. 

Seven dolls by the late Delbridge Honanie of the Bear Clan from Songóopavi Village on Second Mesa.  1946-2017. He was a member of the influential Artists Hopid group, founded in 1973. 5 inches tall (not including feathers) Each is $65 and all are in Tucson.

By Nick Brokeshoulder, a Hano Mana. She is 11 inches high and $90. A Talavay or Early Morning katsina by Alvin Selina. 9.25 inches high to feather tip and $80. Third in the row is a To’tsa or Hummingbird katsina by Larsen Harris Jr. It is just under 9 inches high to feather tip and $60. Last but not least is a Hemsona by William Gashweseoma. This one is 8.5 inches high to feather tips and $65. (ALL IN SANTA FE)

Hensona katsina, whose name is literally “craves (your) hair”. A wawarus or runner katsina, he will challenge a young man to a race. If the man wins he receives a small basket with an eagle down attached to it. If he loses the race, then the katsina will cut off a whack of the hapless loser’s hair, usually using sheep shears.

By Hongvi Marquez, a Hahai’iwuuhti or Grandmother, 8 inches high and $50. Also by Hongvi is this Koyemsi or Mudhead, 10 inches high and $65. Third in the row is a Korowiste by Larsen Harris Jr., this is is 10 3/8 inches high to feather tips and $80. At right, also by Larsen, is a Ngayayataqa (Swaying Man - Corn Katsina). It is 13 inches high to feather tip and $180. (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 SOLD, two different feathered Taawa/Sun, and a Hahai Wuuhti. (TUCSON)

The three dolls above were all made by Hongvi Marquez from Hotvela on Third Mesa. Left to right: an Avatshoya or Corn katsina, 7.75 inches high and SOLD. Next is a Sakwa Nangöysohut or Blue Chasing Star, 9 inches high and $100. Last but not least is a Natukvika* or Split katsina, 11.25 inches high and $110.

*Visually, this katsina is part koshare/clown and part Corn katsina, but is regarded as a katsina. According to legend, Sootukwnangw (the Sky Deity) struck several misbehaving katsinas with lightning and when he went to put them back together again, he got the parts mixed up.

By Ranier Koruh, a Hoototo, or rain priest of the south. 9 inches high and $90. This Hilili was carved by Sedrick Ahonewa, from the village of Hotvela. 12 inches tall. $125. A sosopa or Cricket by Randy Brokeshoulder. 14 inches to the top of the suhu or grass. SOLD. (ALL IN TUCSON)

The three dolls in the row above are all by Nick Brokeshoulder. Left to right: Mongwa or Owl, 11 5/8 inches high and $85. Next is a Kooa’a katsina, 14.25 inches high and SOLD. A Sooya’ytaqa or Planting Stick Boy, 12 inches high to feather tip and $85.

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) A Laguna Corn katsina by Wayland Namingha Jr. 16 1/8 inches high to feather tips and $150. (SANTA FE) A Wakas or Cow katsina by Isidor Abeyta, 13.5 inches high and $185. (SANTA FE)

A Kuwan Kookopölö or Fancy/Colorful Kokopelli by Lean Monongye. 8.25 inches high and $50. A Qööqöqlö by Lean Monongye, 9.75 inches high and $50. A Hakto by Dwight Monongye, 9.5 inches high and $80. (All in SANTA FE). The Qao Tiyo or Corn Boy was carved by Devon Poseyesva. 10.5 inches tall and $80 ON HOLD (TUCSON)

The Paakwa, or frog, is by Andrew Coriz. 7 inches and $48. Next is a Kookopölö, also by Andrew Coriz. 8 inches and $45. The last is a Kuwan Heheyà by Qöyangnuvtu Mowa. 10 inches including feather and $65. (TUCSON)

The Heheya is just over 16 inches high to feather tip and $120. (SANTA FE) Huru-ing Wuhti - Cold Bringing Woman. By Andrew Coriz of the Sun Clan from Munqapi village. 10.5 inches tall and $65. (TUCSON) A Frog who seems anxiously anticipating something, was carved by Sam Masayumptewa. 9 inches tall and $85 (TUCSON)