Katsinas are spirit beings who are the intermediaries between the Hopi and their deities, carrying the prayers of the Hopis for the continuation of the cycle of life of all living things. They may represent the spirit of plants, animals, forces of natures, places or even other tribes. Some are known for their duties (eg: guard, clown...) and not all names are translatable. They appear in the plazas for Hopi villages for approximately 6 months of the year as they dwell in the katsina or spirit world for the other half of the year.
They are carved from the root of the cottonwood tree - used because the cottonwood grows only where there is an ample and consistent supply of water - rare around the Hopi mesas - and because of the water-seeking nature of the roots, which can grow out and down a couple hundred feet or more in search of the water table. If you are interested in learning more, visit our website
www.hopikatsina.com
Between our Santa Fe and Tucson stores we have somewhere between 400 and 500 katsinas so on our website we can only hope to show you a cross-section. Please contact us if you are looking for something specific that you do not see. We may have it or be able to acquire it for you
For each katsina we sell, we provide an information sheet similar to the ones above. (the Hemis katsina above has been sold)
A book on the Hopi by a Hopi. Currently out of print but you can find copies online. Secakuku provides greater context for the katsinas with insight from the Hopi point of view.
A great book. It profiles nearly 2 dozen Hopi katsina carvers - past and present. $16.95 Paperback.
These two dolls were carved by the late Willard Maktima (1929-2025), grandfather of renowned jeweler, Duane Maktima. Top row, left to right: a Kookopölö, 7 7/8 inches high and $250. A Tasaf katsina, 12.75 inches high and $300.
An Omaw by Ryan Gashweseoma 12.25 inches tall and $425. By Tayron Polequaptewa, a Hahai’iwuuhti or Grandmother katsina is 10 inches high to feather tip and $300. At far right is a Morivosi or Bean katsina by Hongvi Marquez, 10.5 inches high to feather tip and $350. (ALL in Santa Fe)
The Ho’ote katsina, made by Shawn Deel, is 12.5 inches high to feather tips and $750. A Koshare by Brendan Kayquoptewa. This one is 17 inches tips of the corn husks and $450. By Dal’Suhu (Star) Not-Afraid is this Koyemsi or Meudhead, 12 inches high and $450. (ALL in SANTA FE)
A Pöökhonghoya by Ed Seechoma. 12 inches and $450. Totsa is the hummingbird katsina. This one by Brandon Kayquoptewa is 11 inches and $275. A Sio Navan or Zuni Velvet Shirt katsina by Randy Brokeshoulder. 17 inches to the tip of the feather and $350. (ALL in TUCSON)
A Navajo Clown by Darance “Makwesa” Chimerica. 10 5/8 inches high to feather tips and $325. Next is a Paakwamana or Frog Maiden by Loren Talashoma. 8.75 inches high and $350. Third in the row is an old style Heheya by Manuel Chavarria, who is well-known for his unique old style of carving. (ALL IN SANTA FE)
The Hehe'a was adapted and adopted from the Zuni, where he takes part in the Ololowishkia. They are sometimes referred to as the Blunderers or Clumsy ones because their actions often mean that the chore they just completed must be redone or otherwise corrected.
An Anak’china or Longhair katsina by Sandra Suhu. This one is 11.25 inches high and $350. The next two in the row are both by Hongvi Marquez. The older style Omaw or Cloud katsina is 8 3/8 inches high and $320. Also by Hongvi is this Sakwa Honana or Blue Badger katsina. 12.75 inches high and $375. A Palhikwmana or Butterfly Maiden by Jared Quamahongnewa. She is 16.75 inches high to feather tip and $450. (ALL in SANTA FE)
A beautifully detailed traditional style doll by Ethan Waters, 11.5 inches tall (including base.) He is depicted here as he would appear in one of the summer dances - with gifts for both boys and girls. $800. See an additional photo in the Highly Detailed Katsina gallery. The Paakwa or Frog was carved by logan Honanie. 10.5 inches tall and $375. A Manang.ykatsina or Lizard katsina by Manfred Susunkewa. It is 14 inches high to feather tips and is $650. (ALL in SANTA FE)
A Sootuknangw or Sky Deity katsina by Brendan Kayquoptewa. 12 3/8 inches high to feather tip and $280. Next is a Koyemsi or Mudhead acting as a Hapota (keeper of the beat) by Nick Brokeshoulder. This one is 17 inches high and $520. Also by Brendan is this Kocha Hon or White Bear. 12 inches high and $325. (ALL in Santa Fe)
By Lenno Polingyumptewa, the two figures at left are considered Mong or Chief katsinas. The Ahoolì and Ewtoto are being sold as a pair for $1,100. The Ahoolì is 14 5/8 inches high to feather tips while the Ewtoto is 11 inches high to the top of the head. The Nata’aska by Ryon Polequaptewa at right is 16.5 inches high and $850. (ALL in SANTA FE)
The three dolls in the row above were all made by Larsen Harris Jr. From left to right: Sooya’ytaqa or Planting Stick Boy is just over 15 inches high to feather tip and $500. In the center is a Yöngöksina or Turtle katsina is 13.5 inches high to feather tips and $450. Last is a Koyongo or Turkey katsina is 13.75 inches high to feather tips and SOLD. (ALL in SANTA FE)
A Patzro, or shrike katsina by Larry Melendez. 12 inches and $300. Next is a Laguna hunter by Eric Holmes. 9 inches (not including feathers) $160. The Mudhead is by Kevin Quanimptewa. 7 inches and $200. An Aya or Rattle katsina by Ethan Bryce. 9 inches high to feather tips and $300. (ALL in TUCSON).
A Paakwa or Frog by Gabriel Lara. 9.25 inches high and $225. (SANTA FE) A Hensona by Ryon Polequaptewa. 9.5 inches and $300. (TUCSON) The Kuwan Kookopölö or Fancy/Colorful Kokopelli by Lyndrick Monongye. This one is just under 10 inches high and $300. (SANTA FE)
