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Katsina doll
Arizona
Katsina Matya – Katsina Pot Carrier / Hand Carrier
Carved by Hopi carver Otto Pentewa (1886-1961)
Carved wood (cottonwood) and pigments
Circa 1940-50
Height: 28 cm – 11 in.
Provenance
Ex Bonhams San Francisco, 3 June 2013 lot 5037
Ex collection Galerie Flak, Paris
Ex collection Didier Robin, Paris since 2017
Pentewa Matya Katsina doll 28 cm / Galerie FLak
Price on request
This Katsina doll is called Matya (or Matyso) and is recognized by the hand symbol displayed on its face. It appears in ceremonial dances, carrying a pottery vessel on its back.
The doll is the work of sculptor Otto Pentewa, one of the most renowned Katsina carver of the 20th century. Though he did not sign his works, his style and poetic touch are instantly recognizable.
O. Pentewa was born in the Hopi village of Oraibi at the end of the 19th century. He belonged to the Katsina Clan, and his Hopi name was Sikovaya, meaning Sunflower Blossom. Pentewa’s Katsinam are featured in major international museum collections, including the Metropolitan Museum of New York (reference 1986.35.15). An article dedicated to this sculptor appeared in the Summer 2001 issue of American Indian Art magazine, a leading publication in the field.
The doll is the work of sculptor Otto Pentewa, one of the most renowned Katsina carver of the 20th century. Though he did not sign his works, his style and poetic touch are instantly recognizable.
O. Pentewa was born in the Hopi village of Oraibi at the end of the 19th century. He belonged to the Katsina Clan, and his Hopi name was Sikovaya, meaning Sunflower Blossom. Pentewa’s Katsinam are featured in major international museum collections, including the Metropolitan Museum of New York (reference 1986.35.15). An article dedicated to this sculptor appeared in the Summer 2001 issue of American Indian Art magazine, a leading publication in the field.
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