Merlin Kopelva Huge 17 1/2″ Cradle Doll – Sola’wutsi

This is one of the largest putsqatihu or cradle katsinam I’ve seen. It is Sola’wutsi or the Zuni Fire God. Made by Hopi carver, Merlin Kopelva. It is 17 1/2” tall with the feathers adding another 3” and 8” wide from ear to ear. The katsina is wearing shell earrings and black and white yarn braids. He has horsehair descending from his forehead. Signed on the base. From Janice and Joseph Day’s collection. Photo 2 shows a normal-sized Hahay’iwuuti for scale.