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.
From left to right: a Sikya Sohu (Yellow Star) and a Hahai’iWuuhti (katsina grandmother) by Augustine Mowa III of the Bear Clan from the village of Songoópavi. The Star katsina is 7 inches tall to the top of the feathers while the other is 6 inches tall. Each $60. The Navan or Velvet Shirt katsina by Markus Barton. This one is 8.75 inches high to feather tip and $50. A Hootsani by Hongvi Marquez, 8 inches high to feather tip and $60. (ALL in SANTA FE)
A Hahay’iwuuhti or Grandmother katsina by 17 year old Aiden Keevama. 9.25 inches high to feather tips and $65. The Sösöpa or Cricket was made by Dal’Suhu Not-Afraid. It is 15.5 inches high to tips of grass and $90. A Hohomana by Qöyangnuvtu Mowa. 8 inches high and $80. Last is a Tsa’kwayna by Hongvi Marquez, 7.75 inches high and $60. (ALL in Santa Fe)
A Kuwan Kokopelli, unsigned. It measures 9 inches to the feather tip and $65. A Kokopelli by Paul Huma, it is 7.5 inches long and $48. (BOTH IN TUCSON) The Masaw katsina (unsigned) is 12 inches high and $72. (SANTA FE) A Qööqöqlö by Aiden Keevama, 8.5 inches high and SOLD. (SANTA FE)
A Koyala by Ranier Koruh, 9.5 inches high to feather tip and $90. Next in the row is a Nangoysohut or Chasing Star katsina by Qöyangnuvtu Mowa. 12.5 inches high and $120. Next is a Huuhuwa katsina by 12 year old Liam Honlestewa, nephew of Qöyangnuvtu Mowa. 6.75 inches high to feather tip and $48. Last in the row is a Huuhuwa by Hongvi Marquez. 7.25 inches high to feather tip and $60. (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 to $40. 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)
By Ranier Koruh, a Hoototo, or rain priest of the south. 9 inches high and $90. (TUCSON) A Sootantaqa by Eric Kayquaptewa. 12 1/8 inches high and $90. (SANTA FE) A Qa’ö Tiyo or Corn Boy katsina by Raynard Lalo, 14.5 inches high and $120. (SANTA FE)
A Sootukwnangwu or Sky Deity by Leander Tenakhongva, 20.75 inches high to the feather tip and $185. By Tayron Polequaptewa is this Heheya. It has been distressed for a vintage feel. 14 inches high to feather tips and $200. A Taawa or Sun katsina by Eric Kayquaptewa. 15 1/8 inches high to feather tip and $150. (All in SANTA FE)
A Heheya by Tayron Polequaptewa, this one is in Tayron’s distressed style to appear vintage. 14 1/8 inches high to feather tip and $200. A Sio Salako or Zuni Shalako by Hongvi Marquez, 13 inches high to feather tips and $125. A Tsu Hilili by Alano Sakeva, 10.25 inches high and $100. (All in SANTA FE)
The Paakwa, or Frog, is by Andrew Coriz. 7 inches and $48. Next is a Kookopölö, also by Andrew Coriz. 8 inches and $45. A large Taawa by Ranier Koruh. 20 inches tall and $400. (ALL IN TUCSON)
The first doll was made by Wilmer Kaye, an Aya or Rattle. It is just over 11 inches high and $125. Last in the row is a Sólàawitsi by Hongvi Marquez, 7 inches high to feather tips and $50. A Kooa’a katsina by Alano Sakeva, 11.75 inches high to feather tips and $100. (ALL in SANTA FE)
According to an old Hopi story, the Hopi people fell ill. The epidemic was so widespread through the villages that the people were starving. It was a group of Navajo who showed up and fed them and nursed them back to health. The Koo’áakatsina commemorates this event and the Navajo people.
This Qööqöqlö by Ryon Polequaptewa is ~14 inches and is $400. (TUCSON)
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.