Institute for Biodiversity Science and Sustainability

CAS Anthropology Collections Database


Catalog Number CAS 0520-0053   CAS 0520-0053; 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 Unknown
Date of Manufacture ca. 1950s
Collection Name Owings Collection (Hopi Katsinam)
Materials Cottonwood (Populus sp.) roots; Paint; Buckskin; Canvas; Wool yarn; Feathers
Description 3-dimensional carved figurine in standing position, possibly representing Muzribi Katsina (Bean Katsina) who sometimes appears with a Mana and whose impersonation is a prayer for an increase in beans; Figure's upper body and arms are painted orange with large bean-shaped white spots; He wears black painted breechclout, blue canvas sash belt, buckskin cape, brown moccasins, black yarn garter (right leg only) and black yarn wristlets; Gray cross-hatched design on white legs probably represents knitted leggings or pants; Case mask has red tab ears, red tubular mouth, and green neck ruff; Back of mask is white, while front is brown with blue eyes and blue arched design around eyes; Red yarn and several feathers attached to top of mask; Figure carries blue rattle in left hand.
Dimensions (cm) Height = 46.0, Width = 33.5, Depth = ca. 17.5