This Masaaw Mana is by Wilburt Talashoma Sr. In my opinion, Wilburt was an under-appreciated carver. His figures have exceptional expressiveness and personality. He was the brother of William Ingvaya Quotskuyva (Janice Day’s father) and the father of Lowell Talashoma Sr., another renowned carver.

This Maasaw Mana is ready to participate in a ceremony. In her hands are a gourd resonator set, including a painted gourd, a notched stick and a sheep scapula. Soon she will be seated on the ground at a ceremony producing a rasping sound accompanying the chanting of the Katsinam. This carving is 9 1/2″ tall with the feather adding 1.5″. This piece stands stably with a bit of putty attached but it is also a wallhanger. It is not signed but I bought it directly from Joseph Day (Tsakurshovi) who acquired it from Wilburt about 20 years ago. Wilburt was a veteran of World War II who served in France and Germany.

Wilburt Talashoma Sr. Maasaw Mana – from Joseph Day