1880s Hopi Hisat Katsina or one who no longer appears

Buffalo Barry's Indian Art

This is the oldest katsinam I’ve had in 30+ years. I date it to the 1880s or earlier. Very simple form, barely carved. I believe it to be a Hisatkatsina or “ancient one” who no longer appears. It has animal like ears, a jagged mouth, and a beard. It has a faded brief, black loin cloth and no other clothing suggesting it could have been a Racer or Runner katsina. I added the professional base to display it properly and safely. 

It came to me with a full-page letter from Barton Wright (dated 2000) that reached the same conclusion re: it being a Hisatkatsina. Barton wrote 13 books on Hopi culture and katsinam. The carving is quite large at 12 1/4″ tall and 3″ wide. This carving was NOT made for tourist or anthropologist collector market. No restoration. 

$16,000.00

Artwork details