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An Owl Katsina is a traditional Hopi Pueblo doll representing a warrior spirit, symbolizing intelligence, wisdom, and protection. Vibrant colors. Inherited but likely purchased by my close friend at Indian Week in Sante Fe or in AZ.
Wilmer Kaye is a highly reputed katsina carver, one of the most recognizable names in that category of Indian art, and a veteran award-winner. He is known for the perfection of his carvings, which he has been doing since his teens. One of his uncles was the legendary Hopi jewelry artist, Charles Loloma. Using only a pocket knife for his carving,
Wilmer works on only one figure at a time, unlike some other carvers. The katsinas are embellished with paint and/or stain, and finally rubbed with linseed oil, to protect the wood and bring out the grain.
Dimensions: H 12" x 6" W & 3" base
** There is a partial crack in base, see images.