Attributed to Manuel Denet Chavarria (Hopi, 20th century). "Masao Kachina" cottonwood sculpture with plumage, n.d. A wonderful carved cottonwood kachina doll depicting the Masao (also Masaw or Masau) kachina, known as the Earth God kachina or God of Death. Masao is believed to control the earth and underworld, and thus his head is shown as a skull with rings of corn husks forming his eyes and mouth. His ruff is made from a kilt adorned with cloud symbols and polka dots across his face are also intended to represent clouds. Colorful plumage rises from his head, along with a gathering of sticks. The Masao kachina does not live in the mountains with other kachinas and can visit the Hopi people at any time of the year. Only traveling at night by firelight, Masao controls the dead moving into the Underworld. Size: 2.3" W x 11.3" H (5.8 cm x 28.7 cm)

According to "The Great Tradition of Hopi Katsina Carvers: 1880 to Present" by Barry Walsh, "Manuel is a traditional Hopi Katsina doll carver from near Polacca near 1st Mesa. He was taught and influenced by his grandparents and by carvers Walter Howato and Manfred Susunkewa. His style today favors large “distressed” old style dolls, carved often from large, curving imperfect pieces of cottonwood root. His dolls often carry mini-dolls that represent gifts for the children." (Tucson, AZ: Rio Nuevo Publishers, 2019)

Provenance: private Orlando, Florida, USA collection, acquired from Buffalo Barry's Indian Art, Holden, Massachusetts, USA, June 26, 2023

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#180720

Nicks and abrasions to surface with some loss of pigment in areas and possible losses to plumage. Otherwise, mostly intact with light patina.