Institute for Biodiversity Science and Sustainability

CAS Anthropology Collections Database


Catalog Number CAS 0520-0039   CAS 0520-0039; 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
Maker's Name Vincent Polyestewa (aka Vincent Poleyestewa)
Date of Manufacture early 1970s
Collection Name Owings Collection (Hopi Katsinam)
Materials Cottonwood (Populus sp.) roots; Paint; Felt; Wool yarn; Rabbit fur; Yucca (Yucca sp.) leaves; Commercial leather
Description 3-dimensional carved figure in standing position, representing Kona (Chipmunk Katsina), one of the runner katsinam; His body is rust brown on back and tan on front with black stripe running down his sides, legs, and arms; His forearms and lower legs are white with black dots, and he wears a black cloth loincloth and black felt breechclout, blue leather belt, painted brown moccasins, black yarn garters and wristlet, and a painted bow guard; His mustard yellow case mask with tall erect ears and prominent snout has broad red stripe (outlined in turquoise blue and black) extending from back of neck across top of head to tip of snout; Neck ruff is of rabbit fur; He carries yucca whips in both hands to urge onward anyone who races him.
Dimensions (cm) Height = 32.5, Width = 18.5, Depth = ca. 16.5