Jimmie K – Rare Signed Hahay’iwuuti Cradle Doll – SOLD

Jimmie Kewanwytewa, aka Jimmie K, was one of the most renowned katsina carvers in Hopi history. He made very few cradle katsinam or putsqatihu carvings. And he signed even less. This example is signed on the base “J.K.” The carving is 4 5/8″ tall and 2 1/2″ wide. The flared bottom of the doll is also unusual. Tied to the back is a card with a lengthy caption. It reads, “Hahai-Wuuti – Mother Kachina. Said to be the Mother of all Kachinas and principle actor in the Water Serpent Ceremony. This flat type Kachina given to babies during the time of the dances. Mother Kachina is first doll a baby receives.” Given that Jimmie K worked at the Museum of Northern Arizona for over 30 years I suspect this tag was created at the Museum. This little carving is a real piece of Hopi history. See our chapter on him in our book, “The Great Tradition of Hopi Katsina Carvers, 1880 to Present.”