201009-039 Hopi Kachina / Katsina "Left hand" by Delwyn Harvey
"Left hand" by Delwyn Harvey; Polacca, AZ. 86042
9" h including base
Late 20th Century
Signed on base.
Hand Carved from Cottonwood Root
The Left-Handed Katsina (Siyangephoya) is said by some to be derived from the Hualapai Indians. He carries his gear opposite of regular Katsinam (he must use his right hand rather than his left to draw an arrow from the quiver). This Katsina moves with strange bobbings and little mincing steps. Despite his odd behavior he is an excellent hunter and some consider him quite powerful. In carvings he is often shown holding an eagle or with a deer draped over his shoulder demonstrating his hunting prowess.
Delwyn Harvey, "Wea" (One of a kind), was born on the Hopi reservation in 1965. He is a member of the Kachina Crow Clan. Delwyn has been carving Hopi kachinas since 1978. He is a self taught artist. Delwyn is also related to Nuvadi Dawahoya (brother-in-law), who is a master carver in his own right. Like other contemporary kachina carvers, Delwyn hand carves cottonwood root into magnificent full bodied kachina dolls with a simple tool like a pocket knife. His carvings are carved with extreme precision and detail. He applies acrylic paints to his dolls and paints them very carefully because it is essential for the Hopi people to represent the kachina as accurately as possible. Many of his dolls are carved from one continuous piece of cottonwood. Some of his dolls are sought by collectors all over the world.
Due to the fragile nature of kachina dolls, we do not guarantee they will not break during shipping. We do our best to pack them well, but due to their fragile nature and even with the best packing, small pieces can break. If you are purchasing kachina dolls, please keep this in mind.