Katsina Talavai Kachina Dancer of the Dawn Hopi,... Lot 9

Katsina Talavai Kachina Dancer of the Dawn Hopi, Arizona Years 1900-1920 H. 25 cm Talavai Katsina - Morning Singer Kachina doll H. 97/8 in Provenance: - Collection of Mister A. F., Paris This Kachina called Talavai appeared, according to Jesse Walter Fewkes, on the morning of the last day of the ceremonial cycle named Powamu. Masked dancers would then distribute bean sprouts to all the inhabitants of the village. This figure is distinguished by its great sobriety. His white mask is adorned with two stylised clouds of rain on his cheeks. His style is characteristic of early 20th century Kachina: short legs, stretched out torso with the arms brought very close to the body, pigments in faded colours.