North America | Arizona
Katsina Doll
Arizona
Mother of Katsinam
Haha’i Wuhti Katsina Doll
Hopi, Arizona, USA
Circa 1920
Carved wood and pigments
Height: 21 cm – 8 ¼ in.
Provenance
Collection Steve Nelson, California
Haha’i Wuhti Katsina doll 21 cm / Galerie Flak
Price: on request
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.
The Katsina here is called Hahai-i Wuhti. She is said to be the Mother of the Katsinam. She is sometimes also referred to as "she who brings (or pours) water." During her appearances and dances, Hahai-i Wuhti constantly speaks to explain to the people how to behave and what they may have done wrong. She is also the Mother of Nataska (the Ogres) and the Mother of Dogs. Other Katsinam are also called mothers, as are all women of the same generation within a particular clan. Hahai-i Wuhti appears in various ceremonies, accompanying other Chief Katsinam. This includes the Shalako dance and the Water Serpent dance.
The Katsina here is called Hahai-i Wuhti. She is said to be the Mother of the Katsinam. She is sometimes also referred to as "she who brings (or pours) water." During her appearances and dances, Hahai-i Wuhti constantly speaks to explain to the people how to behave and what they may have done wrong. She is also the Mother of Nataska (the Ogres) and the Mother of Dogs. Other Katsinam are also called mothers, as are all women of the same generation within a particular clan. Hahai-i Wuhti appears in various ceremonies, accompanying other Chief Katsinam. This includes the Shalako dance and the Water Serpent dance.
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