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.
A Kowaako Mana or Chicken Maiden by Wayland Namingha Jr. This one is 11.75 inches high to feather tip and $280. At right is a Talwíipiki or Lightning katsina by Raynard Lalo. This one is 14.5 inches high and $400. A Huuhuwa* or Cross-legged katsina by Max Curley. 8 7/8 inches high and $260. An Omaw by Ryan Gashweseoma 12.25 inches tall and $425. (ALL in Santa Fe)
This particular carving represents the Huuhuwa or Cross-Legged katsina which is said by some to represent the spirit of an exceptionally kindly man from one of the Hopi villages who lived in the 1800s.
The Ho’ote katsina, made by Shawn Deel, is 12.5 inches high to feather tips and $750. A distressed-finish Maakkatsina or Hunter by Tayron Polequaptewa. 9.5 inches high and $300. Ryon Polequaptewa carved this Tsaveyo with a hapless Koyemsi (Mudhead) in his basket (made of a piecec of cholla branch. 6.5 inches tall and $400. (ALL in SANTA FE)
All year long the children are told that if they misbehave the Soyokos will come around and take them and eat them. During the Powamu Ceremony in February they DO come around and there is an accounting for bad behaviour and promises to be better. Here the Tsaveyo is carrying a Mudhead in his basket - off to be eaten - a fate that children are told could await them if they behave badly.
On the left is an Omaw (cloud) katsina by Wayland Namingha Jr. 13.5 inches and $350. The second carving is a Pöökhonghoya by Ed Seechoma. 12 inches and $450. The last doll is a Sakwa Hu by Ryon Polequaptewa. 12 inches and $300. (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. Last 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.
A Huhuuwa** by Hongvi Marquez, it is 7 5/8 inches high and $200. Next is an Anak’china or Longhair katsina by Sandra Suhu. This one is 11.25 inches high and $350. The Hilili or Guard katsina at right was made by Tayron Polequaptewa. 9.5 inches high and $300. (ALL in SANTA FE)
**This particular carving represents the Huuhuwa or Cross-Legged katsina which is said by some to represent the spirit of an exceptionally kindly man from one of the Hopi villages who lived in the 1800s.
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 katsina not often seen: Sio Avatshoya (Zuni Spotted corn) katsina by Ryan Gashweseoma. 11.25 inches tall and $400. (ALL in SANTA FE)
A Honankatsina or Badger katsina by Augustine Mowa III. This one is 15 inches high to tallest feather tip and $400. A Nakyatsopkatsina or Silent Warrior by Ethan Bryce. This one is 10 inches high to feather tips and $300. At far right is a Sootuknangw or Sky Deity katsina by Brendan Kayquoptewa. 12 3/8 inches high to feather tip and $280. (ALL in Santa Fe)
By Lenno Polingyumptewa, these two figures 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. (ALL in SANTA FE)
Totsa is the hummingbird katsina. This one by Brandon Kayquoptewa is 11 inches and $275. (TUCSON) A Sio Navan or Zuni Velvet Shirt katsina by Randy Brokeshoulder. 17 inches to the tip of the feather and $350. (TUCSON) The Hilili was carved by Carl Nequatewa, 14 inches to tip of feathers. $400 (TUCSON)
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)
