William James, Dawa (Sun) Katsina carving

William James

Tewa/Hopi Pueblo

Date

c.1990

Medium Specific

Cottonwood, paint, wool

Classification

Sculpture: Wood

Dimensions

10 3/4 x 4 1/2 x 3 1/2 in. (27.3 x 10.8 x 8.9 cm.)

Accession Number

2025.35.28.75

Credit

Gift of Doris M. Lumsden

Memo / Artist Statement

The Dawa (Sun) Katsina is a representation of the spirit of the Sun, though he may on occasion be called the Sun Shield Katsina. He appears in a role very similar to that of Nakiachop or Talavai, standing to the side with a spruce tree in his left hand and a bell in his right. Also, he may appear in a Mixed Dance with the flute in his left hand that is associated with him in many myths. (Wright, B., 1973:124)

Biography

William James is from Hotevilla, Third Mesa, AZ, born into the Rabbit/Tobacco Clans. His work has been shown and received numerous awards since the 1980s, alongside exhibitions and museum collections. (Schaaf, G., 2008:149)

Inscription

Sun Kachina, Wm James