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.
A Wakas or Cow Katsina by Brian Holmes. It is 14.5 inches high and $300. The Alosaka was made by Randy Howato. 13 inches high and $600. Third in the row is a Hemis* Katsina by Dal’suhu Not-Afraid. This one is 15 3/8 inches high to tips of grass and $360. A Huhuuwa** by Hongvi Marquez, it is 7 5/8 inches high and $200. (ALL in SANTA FE)
*He appears only during the Niman or Home Dance, the last katsina ceremony before they return to their homes.* The terraced headdress or tableta is a form that symbolizes the rainclouds and includes in it symbols for rain, rainbows, water creatures and flowers.
**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 first doll in the row above is by Raynard Lalo. 11 inches high to wing tips and $300. An Angwusanomtaqa or Crow Mother. SOLD. The next one in the row is by Hongvi Marquez. The Koyemsi or Mudhead is 10 1/8 inches high and $225. The Honankatsina or Badger is by Sean Macias, 13 inches high to feather tips and $375. (ALL in SANTA FE)
The two dolls at left were both made by Randy Brokeshoulder. A Momo or Bee katsina, 18.25 inches high and $750. The Hilili, one of the whipper or guard katsinas. it stands just under 10 inches tall. $280. The Angwusanomtaqa or Crow Mother is by Tayron Polequaptewa. SOLD. (ALL in Santa Fe)
By Darance Chimerica of the Fire Clan from the village of Munqapi, a Hilili 11.25 inches tall. $300. Next is a Tsiitoto or Tobacco Flower by Ryan Gashweseoma. SOLD. A Patnga or Squash katsina by Kevin Quanimptewa. 12 3/8 inches high and SOLD. (ALL IN SANTA FE)
*The Patnga or Squash katsina usually appears as a wawarus or runner katsina.
By Clark Tenakhongva, a Koyemsi (Mudhead). 8 inches high and $400. (TUCSON) By Ryon Polequaptewa, a Sakwa Honan or Blue Badger katsina. 12.25 inches high and $375. (SANTA FE) A Tsaveyo* by Lenno Polingyumptewa, 11.5 inches high and $550. (SANTA FE)
*Tsaveyo is one of the Sooyoko or so-called ogre katsinas, known in Hopi as the Tuwalakum.
By Raynard Lalo, a Sólàawitsi or Sun Speaker, 10.25 inches high to feather tip and $300. (SANTA FE) The next doll is by Hongvi Marquez, a Hospowikatsina or Roadrunner katsina, 9 7/8 inches high and $300. (TUCSON) The last one in the row is an Ongchoma by Ryon Polequaptewa. 11.5 inches high to feather tips and $300. (SANTA FE)
A Koonin Hu by Ryan Gashweseoma. 11.5 inches high and $400. (SANTA FE) A Qotsa Wakas or White Cow katsina, by Sam Masayumptewa. 8 inches and $350. (TUCSON) A Natukvika or “Split” katsina also by Nick. 15.25 inches high and $450. (SANTA FE)
A Hoho Mana by Carl Nequatewa. 10 inches tall and $240. A Putskòokatsina or Rabbit Stick katsina by Kevin Honyouti. This one is just under 10 inches high and $275. The Heheya (distressed to look vintage) is by Manuel Chavarria. SOLD. (ALL IN SANTA FE)
The first two in this row are by Brendan Kayquoptewa. The Pöökhonghoya (one of the Twin War Gods) and the Sikya Qöqölö are each $275. An Aya or Rattle katsina by Ethan Bryce. 9 inches high to feather tips and $300. (ALL IN TUCSON)
