Institute for Biodiversity Science and Sustainability

CAS Anthropology Collections Database


Catalog Number CAS 0520-0026   CAS 0520-0026; Katsina
Category Carvings
Object Name Katsina
Culture Hopi
Global Region North America
Country USA
State/Prov./Dist. Arizona
County Navajo
Other Geographic Data Hopi Indian Reservation; Third Mesa; Village: Oraibi
Maker's Name Jimmie ____?_____ (probably Jimmie Koots / Jimmie Kootshongsie)
Date of Manufacture ca. 1950s
Collection Name Owings Collection (Hopi Katsinam)
Materials Cottonwood (Populus sp.) roots; Paint; Feathers; Fur; Wool; Cotton string
Description 3-dimensional carved figurine in standing position, representing Siyangephoya (Left-handed Katsina), so called because his hunting gear is reversed (e.g., to draw an arrow from quiver, he must use his right hand instead of his left); His right arm and left leg are painted black, while his left arm and right leg are painted with horizontal alternating black and white bands; He wears a carved and painted sheepskin over his right shoulder, wide brown belt, and brown moccasins; Black case mask has red tab ears, black and white neck ruff, white wool beard, painted white diagonal eyes and rectangular mouth; Top of mask is covered with black animal fur and several feathers; Single feather inserted through each ear; He carries rattle in upraised left hand and bow in right hand.
Dimensions (cm) Height = 38.0, Width = ca. 21.5, Depth = ca. 18.5