Contemporary Katsina Dolls from the Ashman Collection

The Rockwell Museum is pleased to exhibit a contemporary collection of southwestern Katsina Dolls, which were made possible through the generous donation of Shari and Stephen Ashman.

Each doll has been hand-carved from the root of the cottonwood tree, the traditional materials used for making katsina dolls. The carved figure is then painted to represent a specific Hopi Katsinam, or spirit messenger. According to Hopi religion, the Katsinam each embody a different element of life. Katsina dolls were originally used to teach Hopi children and instruct them on socially-proper behavior.

This collection of 13 Katsina dolls were created by contemporary native artists, between the years 1980 and 2004; traditional Katsinas have been part of Hopi culture since the late 19th century. The exhibit will be on display throughout 2015.

Pictured: Murial Navasie, Horse, 1988. 2012.12.1.