Tawaquaptewa with Exaggerated Feather Ears – 1950s

As the examples by Tawaquaptewa on this page of the website indicate, the old Kikmongwi or Village Chief of Orayvi created many different looks. I’ve written many times that Tawaquaptewa (1873-1960) was unique in the history of Hopi katsinam carvers in that he deliberately “mixed up” or “made up” all his work. He distorted them because of his important religious role, believing that accurate representations should not be sold. 

This carving with exaggerated feathers is one of his “made up” examples. It does not resemble any Hopi katsina accurately that I’m aware of. The carving is 6 1/2″ tall and with the feathers it is 9″. The professional base – which a restorer added to keep it from toppling – increases the height by another 1/2″. I find this example to be quite humorous with the huge feathers, jailhouse stripes, and polka dots. I believe this carving came from the 1950s. I had a restorer lightly touch up some worn paint. From Len Wood’s Indian Territory and a collector in Illinois.