This style began to emerge in the 1970s but it was another decade or two before it began to catch on. Usually painted with acrylic paints it evokes more the katsina spirit itself rather than the katsinas that appear in the plaza during Katsina cycle of the Hopi year - which basically runs from Winter solstice to mid-July) Most, as one would suspect, are stylized but some carvers are detailed work to the base - often showing a pueblo - and others, like the Butterfly Maiden or the Salakos, can have exceptionally detailed kopaltsoki (headpieces, also called tabletas, a Spanish-derived term)

A beautiful Anak’china carved by Calvin Pavatea with a detailed base. The Katsin Mana and Ewtoto katsinas are carved from a naturally curved piece of cottonwood root. An ear of corn motif is included along with cloud symbols carved into the side of the base. A Taawa or Sun katsina with two corn maidens by Walter Poleyma Jr., A nicely detailed Palhikwmana or Butterfly Maiden by Timothy Talawepi.

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Painting Copyright 2018 WAlly Lomakema

SCULPTURAL STYLE