Old Style Hopi Carved Sunset Warrior Traditional Guard Katsina Doll by Ryon Polequaptewa

This Sunset Warrior is among the guards who prevent any transgression on the path of the Katsinas. He carries yucca fronds that he uses frequently as whips, particularly on clowns, who are terrified of him. He was an important figure in the winter Bean Dance (Powamuya) procession. This Katsina has been replaced by the Broadface (Wuyak-kuita). Ryon was asked by the Heard Museum to work on a show for 100 Years of Carvers. As he studied the older dolls, he became fascinated with the work of Wilson Tawaquaptewa (1871-1960). Ryon has recreated dolls from this old collection, and created some new ones of his own. Click on numbered boxes below image for additional views.