According to Hopi beliefs, “Katsinas” are immortal beings who control aspects of the natural world and act as messengers between the spirit world and humans. Each year from the winter solstice to mid-July, they are thought to descend from their permanent homes on what is now called Humphry’s Peak 60 miles west of today’s Hopi Reservation in northeaster Arizona. They bring with them rain for the harvest and gifts for children. We know from the archeological record that Katsina images or “Kachina dolls” as they have come to be called, were made, often of clay, as early as the 17th century. They were meant to be passed on from generation to generation to educate young girls about their wifely duties and to honor the human and spirit dancers and singers of the Kachina ceremonies. Our example, titled on the bottom’ “Long- Hair Kachina” is hand-signed “George and Mae Hunch.” There is very little in the auction record related to the couple and some confusion as to whether her name was “Alae.” Nevertheless, our dancing Kachina, well poised on one foot is clearly by their hands, he most likely the sculptor and she the painter. The statue is carved of cottonwood root as one would expect. Because its feathers are also carved wood, there is reason to believe the work dates post 1970 when the Endangered Species Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty banned the selling of Kachina dolls which used feathers from such protected species as eagles. Condition: Generally very good. Raw hide straps intact. One feather missing. Dimensions: 11". Base, 4.5 x 2.5.