North America | Arizona
Katsina Doll
Arizona
Raccoon Chief Katsina Doll
Hootsani
Hopi, Arizona, USA
Circa 1930
Carved wood (cottonwood) and pigments
Height: 14.5 cm – 5 ¾ in.
Provenance
Collection Michael D. Higgins, Tucson, Arizona
Sold
Katsina dolls (or katsinam) represent spirits or gods from the pantheon of the Pueblo peoples in the American Southwest. Given to children, Katsina dolls constituted a teaching tool allowing them to familiarize themselves with the spiritual world and perpetuating knowledge of the founding myths on which their society was based.
This Katsina doll is called Hootsani (formerly Hochani or Hotcani) in the Hopi pantheon. Hootsani probably first appeared in the myths and ceremonies of the Pueblos of the Rio Grande before being fully integrated as a Katsina into the Hopi pantheon. He is considered to be the Chief or Head Man of the Medicine Power. He is symbolically associated with the raccoon.
Hootsani may appear at kiva dances in the winter, and more frequently in the spring during mixed dances.
However, his appearances became increasingly rare during the 20th century.
According to a legend, Hootsani was a Hopi who went to live in Rio Grande during (mythical) hard times, then he returned to his village bringing gifts. As such, it is a particularly beloved and beneficial Katsina spirit.
This Katsina doll is called Hootsani (formerly Hochani or Hotcani) in the Hopi pantheon. Hootsani probably first appeared in the myths and ceremonies of the Pueblos of the Rio Grande before being fully integrated as a Katsina into the Hopi pantheon. He is considered to be the Chief or Head Man of the Medicine Power. He is symbolically associated with the raccoon.
Hootsani may appear at kiva dances in the winter, and more frequently in the spring during mixed dances.
However, his appearances became increasingly rare during the 20th century.
According to a legend, Hootsani was a Hopi who went to live in Rio Grande during (mythical) hard times, then he returned to his village bringing gifts. As such, it is a particularly beloved and beneficial Katsina spirit.
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