Hopi katsina dolls

The word katsina means spirit, and refers to Hopi divine beings. Katsina dolls are carved to represent these spirits, and are gifted to Hopi children during ceremonial dances. In addition, they are carved for the collector market.

Hopi katsina dolls have undergone a tremendous amount of stylistic change over time. Many of the first dolls purchased by outsiders in the mid-1800's were flat or cradle doll style where only the face shows the markings of the katsina. By the end of the 1800's, Hopi carvers began making more rounded dolls with carved legs and arms. Some artists began to experiment with ways to suggest life and motion by carving legs slightly bent at the knees and by positioning arms and legs at somewhat different angles. --From Guide To Hopi Katsina Dolls, by Kent McManis.

Today some artists create katsina dolls with great realism in body proportions and detail, carving as much as possible from one piece of wood. At Grey Dog Trading Company, owners Kent and Laurie McManis specialize in Hopi katsina dolls by some of the finest Hopi carvers, such as Dennis Tewa, Ros George, Robert Albert, Arthur Holmes, Jr., and Brian Honyouti. Our emphasis is on extensive detailing in the hands, muscles, hair etc.

Hopi katsina dolls have fascinated Indian arts trader Kent McManis since he was a little boy. In his book, Guide To Hopi Katsina Dolls, Kent depicts some of the most intriguing katsinam (plural of katsina) who appear during the Hopi ceremonial calendar.

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