When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Large vintage Hopi carved Black Ogre’s Uncle Katsina, also known as Tahaum Soyoko, attributed to noted Hopi carver Womack Pavatea and believed to date from approximately the mid-1960s.
The attribution is based on an exceptionally close published comparison identified as a mid-1960s work by Womack Pavatea. That example shares this doll’s distinctive mask, turquoise forehead marking, projecting circular eyes, long clacking jaw, curled black-and-turquoise horns, striped collar, painted clothing patterns, fur cloak, feather headdress, shell bracelet, fringed moccasins, weapons and overall stance. No signature is visible on this example, so it is being offered as attributed to Pavatea rather than definitively signed.
Black Ogre’s Uncle appears with the Black Ogre during Hopi ceremonies. These Ogre Katsinam traditionally serve as disciplinarians and may carry a saw or knife together with hunting implements. Their especially memorable feature is the long jaw, which can be clacked loudly.
The figure is impressively large and freestanding.
Height of carved figure without feathers: approximately 17 1/2 inches
Overall height including feathers: approximately 22 inches
Weight: 2 pounds 3 ounces
PERSONAL PROVENANCE:
I acquired this Katsina around 2003 while standing inside the Goodwill Boutique on Kings Highway in Shreveport, Louisiana, during a thunderstorm. A woman entered carrying it wrapped in a blanket, placed it on the counter, exclaimed, “This is evil!” and hurried out. The store manager and I unwrapped it together. As soon as I saw it, I offered $20, and the manager immediately said, “Sold!” It has remained in my possession ever since. The former owner’s dramatic statement is included only as part of the object’s unusual acquisition history and is not a characterization of this culturally significant Hopi figure.
CONDITION:
The Katsina is in unrestored vintage condition with substantial age-related wear. Condition includes cracks and checking in the carved wood, including visible cracking around the waist and garment area; crackled, flaking and missing paint; surface wear and scratches; worn, broken and frayed feathers; deterioration and shedding to fur or hair elements; wear to leather and other applied materials; and an old binding or repair visible on one horn. Some original accessories or attachments may be absent. No bow or arrows are present. It nevertheless remains visually impressive and stands independently.
Nothing has been cleaned, repainted or restored. Just lightly dusted. It is offered exactly as found and shown. Please inspect every photograph carefully, particularly the detailed condition photographs, because they form an essential part of the description.
Carefully packed, insured shipping is included in the purchase price.
Thank you for looking!
