Institute for Biodiversity Science and Sustainability

CAS Anthropology Collections Database


Catalog Number CAS 0370-0710   CAS 0370-0710; 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. 1890-1920
Collection Name Elkus Collection (Native American)
Materials Cottonwood (Populus sp.) roots; Paint; Leather; Feathers; Nails; Cotton string
Description 3-dimensional carved figurine in standing position, representing Hochani (no translation), who may appear in ordinary katsina dances or in mixed katsina dances; Figure's body is painted red except for shoulders and forearms which are white; He wears a carved and painted white kilt with painted sash belt and painted dance sash, and black moccasins; Case mask is pale green and includes large red tab ears, low relief pop-out eyes, and built-out black and red mouth; Black band outlined in red is painted across eyes and narrow black band frames lower edge of mask; Top and back of mask are covered in pieces of cowhide with hair still attached; Several dyed and trimmed feathers are tied to top of mask; Several mixed feathers are tied to back of mask.
Dimensions (cm) Height = 30.1, Width = 10.3, Depth = 8.2