Essex Jewelry and Antiques
Hopi Katsina Mouse Warrior Second Mesa Doll Melson Harris Maker
Regular price
$267.00
Presented is a stunning Hopi tribe Katsina or Kachina doll representing the Mouse Warrior.
“The Warrior Mouse Katsina is a central figure in Hopi folktale. He is not a dance figure at all, but rather the hero of a Second Mesa legend. A mouse undertook to rid the village of a pesky chicken hawk. He did that by taunting the hawk and tricking him to dive into a stake and impale himself. The Warrior Mouse, as he is called, is not to be confused with the any other folktale mice. The mouse and other animals have always played an important role in the Hopi ceremonies and tradition. Hopi’s believe that through animals, one can learn many things about life.”
This piece is likely made out of cottonwood root, as is traditional for Hopi Katsinas. On the underside of the katsina, the wood is marked “Mouse Warrior”, Hopi, and Second Mesa. The piece also has a maker's name which appears to be Melson Harris. A year at the bottom is not completely identifiable, we can only make out the 19**, showing that it was made sometime in the 20th century.
The Mouse Warrior is in great condition. There is a small chip on his right ear. This can be seen in the second photo. As you can see this chip can only been seen in side profile and will likely not be noticed when looking at the piece straight-on. The chip could be colored in with a red paint or even a red marker. Please note that due to the delicate nature of cottonwood root, chips and breaks can happen easily. The painted details are bright and crisp. There are no repairs.
Measurements: 4 inches x 3 3/4 inch base 8 3/8 inches tall -kc
“The Warrior Mouse Katsina is a central figure in Hopi folktale. He is not a dance figure at all, but rather the hero of a Second Mesa legend. A mouse undertook to rid the village of a pesky chicken hawk. He did that by taunting the hawk and tricking him to dive into a stake and impale himself. The Warrior Mouse, as he is called, is not to be confused with the any other folktale mice. The mouse and other animals have always played an important role in the Hopi ceremonies and tradition. Hopi’s believe that through animals, one can learn many things about life.”
This piece is likely made out of cottonwood root, as is traditional for Hopi Katsinas. On the underside of the katsina, the wood is marked “Mouse Warrior”, Hopi, and Second Mesa. The piece also has a maker's name which appears to be Melson Harris. A year at the bottom is not completely identifiable, we can only make out the 19**, showing that it was made sometime in the 20th century.
The Mouse Warrior is in great condition. There is a small chip on his right ear. This can be seen in the second photo. As you can see this chip can only been seen in side profile and will likely not be noticed when looking at the piece straight-on. The chip could be colored in with a red paint or even a red marker. Please note that due to the delicate nature of cottonwood root, chips and breaks can happen easily. The painted details are bright and crisp. There are no repairs.
Measurements: 4 inches x 3 3/4 inch base 8 3/8 inches tall -kc