Native American Hopi Carved Left Handed Hunter Katsina Doll by Hyram Namoki
The Left-Handed Katsina (Siyangephoya) is said by some to be derived from the Hualapai Indians. He carries his gear opposite of regular Katsinas (he must use his right hand, rather than his left to draw an arrow from the quiver). This Katsina moves with strange bobbings and little mincing steps. Despite his odd behavior, he is an excellent hunter, and some consider him quite powerful. In carvings he is usually shown holding an eagle or with a deer draped over his shoulder demonstrating his hunting prowess. Hyram Namoki did a wonderful job on this carving; one can feel the power in this Katsina figure as he crouches and the deer is leaping from the brush. A great piece. Click on numbered boxes below image for additional views.
