Hopi Palik Mana Katcina Doll
Each Katcina carved depicts a different Deity ( God like ) figure. There have been over 500+ Katcina images recorded that have been danced in ceremonies over the last couple centuries. Every Katcina image alive or carved represents its own part of the physical or spiritual make up of the Hopi’s world. The primary reason the Hopi carve these Katcinas for their children to teach them the purpose of each deities role in Hopi life. The Palik Mana Katcina shown here measures 16 ½” tall or 42cm. It dates circa 1890’s and is carved of Cottonwood root. The elaborate head adornment is referred to as a ” tablita “. Palik Mana in Hopi means Butterfly Maiden. The Katcina is seen dancing in what they call their Society Dances out on the plazas of the villages. With the original tablita intact and mineral paints showing brightly this piece is one for the collector. Comparable pre turn of the century Katcina dolls have sold in US and French auctions from $100,000.00-$294,000. The later number was meet at a Sotheby’s auction on December 4,1997 in New York. Few Katcina dolls of this magnitude reach the market and as an investment Katcinas have faired considerably better than almost every other southwest Indian art form.
The Palik Mana Katcina shown here measures 16 ½” tall or (42cm)
Circa 1890’s
Materials – Cotton Wood & feathers
SOLD