Hopi, Arizona
1920s–1930s
Cottonwood root, pigment, wool, feathers
Height approximately 10 in (25.4 cm)
Otto Pentewa (1886–1961), known by his Hopi name Sikovaya or Pumpkin Flower, was born at the village of Oraibi on the Hopi Reservation and is among the most significant katsina carvers in the history of the tradition. Along with Wilson Tawaquaptewa, Pentewa was one of the first Hopi carvers to have work attributed to him by name, a recognition that emerged during the 1920s and 1930s as collectors and dealers began to identify his distinctive style — characterized by the use of the natural curve of the cottonwood root, a particular treatment of the feet and moccasins, arms positioned close to the body, and the pumpkin flower motif painted on the loincloth as his hallmark. His work is held in the collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and other major institutions, and examples appear regularly at auction.
This figure is attributed to Pentewa and displays the carved and painted construction characteristic of his work, with a cylindrical mask head carrying a red band, white painted face with black features, green wool ruff collar, and feather headdress. The body is carved from cottonwood root and painted with the regalia identifying the katsina figure, with the controlled, direct treatment of form associated with Pentewa's hand. The pumpkin flower signature motif should be verified on the loincloth to confirm the attribution.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
Hopi, Arizona
1920s–1930s
Cottonwood root, pigment, wool, feathers
Height approximately 10 in (25.4 cm)
Otto Pentewa (1886–1961), known by his Hopi name Sikovaya or Pumpkin Flower, was born at the village of Oraibi on the Hopi Reservation and is among the most significant katsina carvers in the history of the tradition. Along with Wilson Tawaquaptewa, Pentewa was one of the first Hopi carvers to have work attributed to him by name, a recognition that emerged during the 1920s and 1930s as collectors and dealers began to identify his distinctive style — characterized by the use of the natural curve of the cottonwood root, a particular treatment of the feet and moccasins, arms positioned close to the body, and the pumpkin flower motif painted on the loincloth as his hallmark. His work is held in the collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and other major institutions, and examples appear regularly at auction.
This figure is attributed to Pentewa and displays the carved and painted construction characteristic of his work, with a cylindrical mask head carrying a red band, white painted face with black features, green wool ruff collar, and feather headdress. The body is carved from cottonwood root and painted with the regalia identifying the katsina figure, with the controlled, direct treatment of form associated with Pentewa's hand. The pumpkin flower signature motif should be verified on the loincloth to confirm the attribution.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
