Superb 1920s Sikya Qoglo Katsina

This is one of my all-time favorite katsinam. It is a large and dynamic Sikya (or Yellow) Qoqlo katsina from the 1920s. The bold birds on the head really make it. It is 16″ tall and 8″ wide with the old wooden base adding 3/4″. 

I’ve owned this katsina twice. First, it came to me through auction from the Wendall Gates (1903-1997) collection. He was a renowned American Impressionist painter, who worked and taught in California for decades. Later I sold it to dealer, Alan Kessler, and then it came back to me again via auction. The birds had some damage including poorly done repairs with shiny airplane glue. I had the katsina professionally restored and now it is in its excellent condition.