Exceptional Early 20th C. Hopi Palhikwmana Cradle Katsina – Price on Request

This is one of the most exceptional Hopi cradle katsinam or putsqatihu that I’ve encountered. The elaborate tablita is especially beautiful. There are several features that point to an early dating: The carving has four vertical red stripes; by the 1920s Hopi cradle dolls had become rather standardized in having three stripes. In addition, the carving has splayed fingers beneath the four-stone necklace – another early attribute. And the patina is aged. The tablita bears many cloud symbols including four on extended wooden poles. The carving is 10 1/2″ tall and 8 1/4″ wide. On the back of the katsina is a feature I’ve not seen before. Attached with an original string, that also holds the necklace, is a leather slab that is 3 1/2″ by 2 1/2″. Painted on it appears to be a simple katsina face with white eyes and a tiny hole for a mouth. From a Santa Fe collection. For price, please contact buffalobarry@charter.net.