Native American Hopi Carved Priest Killer Kachina Doll (Katsina Doll)

Description

Native American Hopi Carved Priest Killer Katsina Doll by Dominic East

During the Pueblo Revolt of 1680, the Pueblo Indians of New Mexico and Arizona revolted against the Catholic Church in an attempt to retain their religious freedom. Legend states that a Hopi named Yowe killed and beheaded a Franciscan priest. After this incident, the Hopi referred to Yowe or the Priest Killer as an Ogre Katsina that had the power to punish others. This is a powerful carving showing the severed head of the priest and his staff gripped in Yowe's hand and a knife held in his other hand. This year, for the first time in many years Yowe appeared at the dances on the mesas. The Hopi believe he appeared to remind them to keep their faith and stay their course. Not to be distracted by the "noise" of contemporary society.