This style of work began to evolve around 1970 and was accelerated when Hopis were not allowed to sell katsinas that had migratory bird feathers - not even of those birds which could be legally hunted, like ducks. While some carvers worked with grouse, pheasant and pigeon feathers, others found a receptive audience for carved wooden feathers, which were not susceptible to damage from moths and crickets. In time very highly detailed work emerged, along with the concept of 'one piece carvings' - dolls which were carved without anything being carved separately and added on. (the problem is that cottonwood root is soft and carving an arm out across the grain was structurally unsound so most "one piece" dolls will have items carved separately and then attached - like bows or protruding mouths.)
In any event, while a return to the older style carving has diminished the number of carvings working in this style, many still do (and many carve both styles).
A Red Beard Longhair katsina (Pala sowitsuni) also known as Pusukinangkatsina. This was carved over 50 years ago when highly detailed katsinas were first appearing, hence its vintage appearance. It had been hung but we instead mounted it on a cottonwood base so it can be better displayed. 9.25 inches tall and $475. (TUCSON)
Andrew Sahmie Sr. just brought this Maahu or Cicada katsina to us in Santa Fe. 11 3/8 inches high and $1,100.
An elegant Angwusanomtaqa - Crow Mother, by Wendell Silas-Yazzie. She stands 9 inches tall. $375. (SANTA FE)
This Soyok Wuuhti came to us out of a private collection recently. She was carved by Watson Namoki sometime in the 1980s. 7.75 inches high, including the base, and $400. (SANTA FE)
Above are a pair of Patgna or Squash katsinas that were carved in 1998 by Sakhomenewa. They are 8.75 inches high and $3,000. (SANTA FE)
Mudhead Terror. These Koyemsi (Mudheads) are fleeing a Tsaveyo katsina that is bent on punishing them for their hijinks. 14 inches tall. By Wendell Silas-Yazzie. $1875. (SANTA FE)
Andrew Sahmie Sr. carved this Anak’china or Longhair katsina with gifts to be given out during the ceremony. 11.75 inches high and $1,600. (SANTA FE)
A Pang or Mountain Sheep katsina by Wendell Silas-Yazzie. 11 inches high and $1100. (TUCSON)
A Kocha Hon or White Bear by Andrew Sahmie Sr. Just over 8 inches high and $675. (SANTA FE)
A Qotsa Mosayru or White Bison, by Lowell Talashoma (1950-2003) It stands 11.5 inches tall and is an excellent example of his all-too-brief prize-winning career. $1875 (TUCSON)
A Sakwa’ahote or Blue Chasing Star katsina by Wendell Silas. It is 8 5/8 inches high and $1,275. (SANTA FE)
The Sakwahote or Blue Ho’te and the Sikyahote (Yellow Ho’te) are said by many Hopi to represent the spirit of the Plains Indians. Others associate them with shooting stars.
A Mongwa (Owl) katsina by Cedric Honyumptewa. 11 inches tall. Really great motion in this one. $1600. (SANTA FE) The Navajo clown was carved by Carl Sulu. 12 inches tall. $875 (TUCSON)
A Tsaveyo by Andrew Sahmie Sr., Hopi-Tewa. Tsaveyo is one of the Sooyoko or so-called ogre katsinas, known in Hopi as the Tuwalakum. This one is just over 11 inches high and $1275. (SANTA FE)
Above is a Blue Bear katsina by Andrew Sahmie Sr. This one is 9 inches high including the base. $800. (SANTA FE)
