Hummingbird - Lauren Honyouti Hopi Katsina Doll
The Katsina was carved carved from a single piece of cottonwood root by Lauren Honyouti, one of three famous Hopi brothers, who often carve Katsinas together. The Honyoutis, Lauren, Brian and Ronald are originally from Bacavi, Arizona on the Hopi reservation. The Honyoutis are featured in many books on Hopi carving including, "Katsina Dolls" by Helga Tiewes and "The Art of the Hopi" by Jerry and Lois Jacka. They are considered forerunners in the art of realistic carvings and are in a class of their own. Lauren signed the doll on the bottom of the base: L. Honyouti Note: About 1/4 of an inch was broken off the foremost feather on the left hand of the katsina and was expertly repaired by a carver, so that no sign of it is visible.
The Hopi word for this katsina is Tootsa. It is a representation of a hummingbird, which Hopi legend speaks of as intervening on behalf of the Hopi people to convince the gods to bring rain. During traditional ceremonies, the Tootsa bobs while dancing and calls like a bird. His songs are prayers for moisture, to help nourish the plants and crops.
The Hummingbird Katsina appears in the Winter Kiva dances and the spring Soyohim dances. The Kiva night dances are performed in underground kivas, or ceremonial rooms. They are sacred and therefore not open to the public. The Soyohim ceremony symbolizes the second phase of creation at the dawn of life and is celebrated during the winter solstice. The Hummingbird Katsina also participates in Katsina Night Dances of March, or the Angkwa, as a side dancer.
All Hopi Hummingbird Katsinas are depicted with a green mask and green moccasins. Katsina dolls are carved from the root of the cottonwood tree. It can also be called tithu, the Hopi word for katsina doll. (Ref: www.tohonochulpark.org)
Item No.: KD.0009
Artist: Lauren Honyouti
Size: 11 3/4 in H
Price: 1,400
