North America | Arizona
Katsina Doll
Arizona
Kowako Katsina – Rooster Katsina doll (variant)
Hopi
Circa 1920
Carved wood (cottonwood), pigments
Height: 20.5 cm – 8 in.
Provenance
Ex collection André Breton, Paris
Ex collection Jean Roudillon, Paris
Ex collection Claude Meyer, Paris
Ex Pierre Bergé Auction, 2 April 2012, lot 255
Ex collection Jean-Paul Morin, Paris/ Pont-Aven
Ex Sotheby’s Paris, 14 Oct. 2020, lot 149
Ex collection François Meyer, Geneva
Kowako Katsina doll 20.5 cm André Breton / 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 Kowako Katsina spirit probably appeared after the arrival of the Spaniards. Kowako performs in the kivas during winter dances or on the plaza in early spring, often accompanied by his female counterpart Kodak Mana. Kowako dances were said to resemble those of Piptuka Clowns .
The Kowako Katsina spirit probably appeared after the arrival of the Spaniards. Kowako performs in the kivas during winter dances or on the plaza in early spring, often accompanied by his female counterpart Kodak Mana. Kowako dances were said to resemble those of Piptuka Clowns .
Explore the entire collection
