Jimmie Koots Heart of the Cosmos Diety – Published

Jimmie Koots aka James Kootshongsie (1916-1996) was arguably the greatest Hopi comic carver of all time, but he also made straight or serious carvings. This is one such example: a dignified Sootukwnangw or the katsina version of the Heart of the Cosmos Diety. I have seen this figure during the Bean Dance ceremonies in Songoopavi. 

This is the only version of this katsina that I’ve seen by Jimmie. It is 11″ tall including the heavy, professional metal base to which the katsina is attached firmly. It is 4 3/4″ wide. This katsina is published on page 171 of Greg Schaaf’s book on “Hopi Katsina Artists Biographies.” 

In addition to his katsina carvings, Koots was also an internationally known traditionalist from Hotevilla. He was active in the 1970s and 80s in advocating for a return to traditional Hopi ways. He edited the newspaper, “Techqua Ikachi: Land and Life” from the mid-70s until 1990. He also was featured in a documentary film, “Autobiography of a Hopi,” and appeared in the Tony Hillerman film, “Dark Wind.” Koots’s son, Dennis, told me that James met with representatives from the United Nations on four occasions as an advocate for Hopi traditionalism. For more information, see my chapter on Jimmie in my 2019 book on Hopi katsina carvers, 1880 to present.