Owner: HWMC
Catalogue #: 2NA-IDST-32
Provenance: From the collection of Daniel Cutrone, professor at Cal State Dominguez Hills, specializing in preserving the four corners of Native American Indians.
Rattle
Hopi ‘Hehey'a Katsina’ Rattle
Hoteuilla, Arizona
Southwest / Hopi
Gourd, cottonwood (handle), pigment, seeds
ca. 1980s
Length; 10.75 in; Width: 7 in; Depth: 5.5 in
Idiophones – Struck Idiophones – Rattles
Signed: Patrick (Pat) Howesa
This Hopi signed gourd rattle possibly representing Hehey’a Katsina, was created by Hopi artist Patrick (Pat) Howesa of Hoteuilla, AZ. Hopi katsina figures also known as kachina dolls, are figures carved typically from cottonwood root, by Hopi people to instruct young girls and new brides about katsinas or katsinam, the immortal beings that bring rain, control other aspects of the natural world and society, and act as messengers between humans and the spirit world.
The Hehey’a Katsina has no English name or translation. He is a Katsina who celebrates the harvest and the corn. He prays for enough food for all and that the harvest will be plentiful. He also celebrates and thanks the Great Spirit for what the people were able to grow and harvest for the year.
Resource: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hopi_Kachina_figure1960