A RARE and IMPORTANT Hopi Marao Katsina Doll, circa 1950 standing approximately 16 in. tall and wearing an elaborate costume - from an old Southern California Estate Collection
The Marao Katsina may derive from the fact that the headdress he wears is the same as the one appearing on the Mamzrau, the participants in an important women's ceremony. Despite the name, the kachina is dressed in a style much closer to that of the Navajo Kachinas than anyone else. He appears in Plaza Dances in late spring. There are several varieties of this kachina present on the mesas, but there does not seem to be any variation in naming. [Wright 1973]
This katsina doll is exceptionally well made. The body proportions are true to scale and the mask is elaborate in finish. The tripod headdress he wears is the same as that worn by the performer in the Mamzrau. His bandolier across his chest consists of a leather band as does his side pouch. The concha belt is entirely hand painted.
Condition: the Hopi Pueblo katsina doll is in very good condition with the exception of some loss of paint, and lacking the "fur" tail. There is an old pawn check hanging on the rear of the Kachina. This may have been a wall hanger however at some point a small thin base with small nail was attached - and given the thinness of the wood stand it has not held - nonetheless it will be included in the shipment to the winning buyer. Also the dance rattle in the katsina's hand is no longer present.
Overall a beautiful and beautifully constructed and realized mid 20th century Hopi Katsina!
Successful bidders please note: INSURANCE on all items over $100 strongly recommended. SELLER WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE IN ANY WAY FOR CARRIERS DAMAGE, LOSS, BREAKAGE OF ANY KIND OR DEGREE . Any insurance claims MUST BE the responsibility of the successful bidder. Payment due within seven days of auction's end. 1 Day handling time and 14 day return policy. It is the responsibility of the prospective buyer to inquire as to the condition of a specific lot before bidding. Any condition statement is given as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Seller shall have no responsibility for any error or omission. Please review all of the information and photographs before requesting additional information. We will respond as quickly as possible. All sales are final unless seller has significantly misrepresented auctioned item. No seller refund shipping and/or any handling expense.please CONTACT SELLER DIRECTLY prior to posting feedback - we sincerely want our customers to be happy with their purchases and would be more than happy to address any and all of your concerns.PLEASE NOTE: All books sent media mail which can take UP TO 2 WEEKS IN SOME CASES FOR DELIVERY , unless successful bidder requests otherwise. Thanks for looking . Thanks for your cooperation !Finally we are strongly green and use recycled packing material in over 95% of our shippings.
