Early 20th Century Hahay’iwuuti or Grandmother

This simple carving points to its advanced age: early in the 20th century, perhaps the 1920s. Note how elemental the carving is including the very basic legs and feet and carving of the manta, and the minimalist ears and face. The katsina is 5 1/4″ not including the professional base which I added so it would stand stably. Hahay’iwuuti is said to represent “the ideal characteristics of womanhood.” From a collection in the Minnesota. I find this carving charming and engaging in its simplicity.