1940s Hopi Ogre – Oscar Branson Provenance

Very dynamic Hopi Ogre from the 1940s. This was done in the “late action style,” including the extended arms,  bent knees, and detailed painting. The menacing teeth project fierceness as befits an Ogre. The carving is 12 1/2 tall. Written on the bottom of the left foot is “Black Ogre” in dark black ink. “Black Ogre” is a generic term for a member of the Ogre family. This example looks to be a Tsaaveyo variant perhaps. 

This katsina descended in the family of Oscar Branson to his grandson. Oscar was a long-time trader in the Old Town in Albuquerque. He also wrote the book, “Hopi Indian Kachina Dolls,” 1992, Treasure Chest Publications.”