Koyaala-on-strings – 1950s-60s

I call these “katsinam-on-strings.” My understanding is they were strictly made for the tourist market and had no ceremonial use or significance. The Seeni brothers from Polacca and Jimmie Koots from Hotvela made many of these katsinam-on-strings, but this example is by an unknown, but skilled maker. Koyaalas seem to be either happy or sardonically sad and this one is clearly the latter. Fully extended 7 3/4” tall.