1940s Hopi Kooyemsi

There are many different forms of Kooyemsi katsinam. The most familiar may be the bare-chested version with a simple black kilt. A knowledgeable friend has identified this as Kuwan’powamuy’kooyemsi – the colorful Powamu/ Bean Dance version. This Kooyemsi is not frequently made. The katsina is 11 3/4″ tall to the top of his head. There is a stable crack on the bottom of the left foot but the katsina stands stably. Written in pencil on the foot is “Mudhead…ceremonial.”