As respected spirits within the Hopi culture, the katsinam (plural of katsina) are an integral part of this agricultural society. They embody the spirit essences of all things in the natural world—they are the guardians of life. This particular katsina is a contemporary interpretation of Tsitoto, the Tobacco Flower katsina, who appears in a variety of ceremonies on the three northern Arizona mesas. Carved by Hopi artist Gerry Quotskuyva in 2008 for Tohono Chul, it is a superb example of the evolution and advancement of the time-honored artisanship of Hopi katsina carving.
For more information call 745-6455 or email mring@tohonochul.org.