This painting began with an introduction to Tayron Polequaptewa, a member of the Hopi tribe, well known for his artistic integrity and craftsmanship carving traditional old style katsinas. I was so taken by his work and soon collecting one katsina became two and so on…
I had done a painting of a singular katsina doll and knew that I wanted to try a trio. During special ceremonies certain Katsinam dancers participate and these katsina wood carvings represent those Katsinam. Therefore, the katsinas in this painting titled Mystic Procession represent multiple Katsinam, each with its own roll in Hopi culture, processing in to participate in the sacred ceremony
On the left, with a cylinder plug nose, is a doll depicting the Mahkavho katsina. Mahkavho translates into Hopi Prayer Feathers that are prepared to help ensure a successful big game harvest.
In the center is a Hilili katsina. You can see he shows movement by the way he is bent as if in dance. Hilili has whips in each hand and he is there as a guardian or enforcer of good behavior. Hilili can be found patrolling ceremonies and may also appear in February, during Powamuya, the Hopi Bean Dance.
To the right is Angwusnahsoomtaka (Crow Mother). She usually appears during Powamuya, the Hopi Bean Dance, leading the late afternoon procession of many, many various Katsinam that appear.
Original painting available through King Galleries | www.kinggalleries.com | 480.440.3912 (Santa Fe), 480.481.0187 (Scottsdale)
