Old Style Hopi Carved Left Handed Traditional Hunter Katsina Doll

Description

Old Style Hopi Carved Left Handed Traditional Hunter Katsina Doll

The Left-Handed Katsina (Siyangephoya) is said by some to be derived from the Hualapai Indians. He carries his gear opposite of regular Katsinam (he must use his right hand, rather than his left to draw an arrow from the quiver). This Katsina moves with strange bobbing motions and little mincing steps. Despite his odd behavior, he is an excellent hunter and some consider him quite powerful. In carvings he is sometimes shown holding an eagle or with a deer draped over his shoulder, demonstrating his hunting prowess. This is a wonderful carving with the Left-Handed holding his rabbit stick and a shield. This piece came from a private collection. We are unfamiliar with the signature and provide an image of it.