Hopi Black Ogre-Woman "Soyoko'" by R. Seckletstewa

Description: Offered byAntique American Indian Art, LLC--- AAIA --- Hopi Kachina: Katsina Hopi Black Ogre-Woman "Soyoko'" by R. Seckletstewa Late 20th century 12" h Hopi Kachina; Hand Carved from Cottonwood Root; --- In Hopi mythology Nataska (also Nata´aska and variants) is the uncle of the family of "ogre Katsinas" who guard Soyok Wuhti (Monster Woman), and who enforce good behavior among the children.[1] Nataska is a Mongkatsina (a chief among the Katsinam). Wiharu (White Nataska) is a similar or identical Katsina with a white rather than black face. As with other Hopi Katsinam, Nataskas exist in three senses: as spiritual beings, as dancers / characters in the yearly rituals (who are understood as metaphors for and to some extent manifestations of the beings), and as carved wooden figures depicting the beings. They serve a cultural role of explaining the Hopi way of life, particularly for indoctrinating children in the society's history, behavioral expectations, moral codes, and ritual practices. They are also part of the ceremony for inducting young children into the Kachina Society. In both the mask and figure form, Nataska has a large, long snout, and carries a saw or knife in one hand, and a hunting bow in the other. The mask is sometimes hinged to make a clacking sound as the Katsina dancer moves, which is frightening to children. Depending on the village, there may be several Nataskas. They are said to inhabit a series of long caves near Pinon, Arizona. Nataska appears during the midwinter bean planting ceremony, early in the ceremonial season. On First Mesa and Second Mesa villages (but not on Third Mesa since 1910) men of the village, dressed as Nataska and other ogres, visit the homes of families with children, demanding gifts of food with a warning that if the gift is unsatisfactory when they return, or if the children have misbehaved, they will return to kidnap or eat the children. Often, the families have mentioned their children's misbehavior in advance of the visits, so that the children are frightened into thinking the ogres have special powers of observation. The ogres appear again at the Powamuya (bean dance) accompanying Soyok Wuhti to threaten children against misbehaving. In some versions of the ceremony, they are vanquished or appeased by the end of the dance so as to spare the children's lives, and return to their caves until next season. Private Estate Collection201009-008Welcome to Matt Wood's Antique American Indian Art, llc (AAIA) eBay ListingsAs the nation’s leading gallery of Antique North American Indian Art and Artifacts, we invite you to consider the beautiful art and artifacts that we list on eBay with full confidence in the authenticity and legality of the item, in the accuracy of the listing, and in the professionalism that we demonstrate in processing each transaction. Celebrating over 45 years in business, Matt Wood and Len Wood are founding members of ATADA (Antique Tribal Arts and Dealers Association), and we provide you, the collector, a unique opportunity to buy directly from our gallery inventory via eBay. We offer Certificates of Authenticity, a 7-day home inspection period allowing returns for full refunds (less shipping/insurance costs), and a lifetime trade-back policy (call for details). We are confident that you will be pleased with the value, service and peace-of-mind that our gallery can offer you. Thank you for looking! SHIPMENT We package all items for shipment in the utmost professional manner, and all shipments are fully insured. Please read our Store Policies for all of our shipping information.PLEASE FOLLOW US on eBay - If you hit the FOLLOW THIS SELLER link on the top right of this listing under the Seller Information button, you will be able to get the early notices of our new additions and sales. We will be adding lots of quality Antique American Indian Art over the next few months.

Price: 695 USD

Location: Oak Harbor, Washington

End Time: 2025-01-17T04:28:48.000Z

Shipping Cost: 0 USD