201009-081 Hopi Kachina / Katsina Doll: White Ogre
8 1/2" height including base
Hopi Kachina / Katsina Doll, hand carved from Cottonwood Root.
Late 20th century.
White Ogre; signed EJ
A function of the Ogre Katsinas is to act as disciplinarians for the Hopi children. One of their responsibilities is to appear at the home of a Hopi and demand to see the children that they then question as to their behavior and whether they have learned the chores they are supposed to know—for the girls that could be the proper way to grind corn on a metate with a mano and for the boys the proper way to hunt rabbits. If there are questions by the Ogres as to whether the children have learned their lessons, they may give them a week or two to practice and let them know that they will be back again to check on progress. Of course, the children are terrified of the anticipated return of the Ogres.
When the Ogres do return, it is in preparation for a Katsina dance, and they are actually in pursuit of food to take to the kivas for the dancers. To do this, they demand to see the kids and threaten to take them away, but the mother of the house bargains with the Ogres and offers food instead of the children, which buys off the Ogres and greatly impresses the children about their mothers.
The White Ogre (Wiharu) and the Black Ogre (Nataska) are identical except in color. Their functions are the same. They always appear in pairs and accompany the Soyoko on their collection trip and usually stand directly behind the one who is bargaining with the relatives of the children. They make horrible noises, dragging their saws along the side of the house or on the ground. They also keep up a steady stamping that makes the shells on their legs sound ominously. From an early age, the children have learned that the Ogres can eat a child whole and will do so. No wonder they are so terrified of them.
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.