Institute for Biodiversity Science and Sustainability

CAS Anthropology Collections Database


Catalog Number

CAS 0370-0727A,B   CAS 0370-0727A,B; 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. 1940-1960
Collection Name Elkus Collection (Native American)
Materials Cottonwood (Populus sp.) roots; Paint; Cotton string
Description Carved figure of Koyemsi (Mudhead), a clown figure introduced to the Hopi from Zuni Pueblo and who appears individually or in groups at nearly every Hopi dance and sometimes serves as a drummer for a dance; Figure is shown in standing position holding pueblo-style drum in outstretched left hand and drum stick in upraised right hand; Figure wears full mud-colored head mask with characteristic lumps on forehead, at ears, and on back (representing where leather of actual mask would be tied together); His body is painted muddy brown and he wears black kilt, orange moccasins, and black leggings.
Dimensions (cm) Height = 24.2, Width = 12.4, Depth = 11.0