$2,995.00
$3,600.00
Sale 16%Shipping calculated at checkout.
Late 20th Century
13.5" H
Hand Carved from Cottonwood Rootwith Great Carved Detail and Signed A. Honanie
In Very Good Condition
Aaron Honanie (1953–2009) was a respected Hopi carver and silversmith from the Hopi Reservation (specifically associated with Moenkopi), known for his detailed, expressive works that honor ancestral spirits while blending cultural reverence with craftsmanship for both ceremonial and collector markets.
The eagle is the strongest and bravest of all birds. For this reason, Native Americans have chosen the eagle and its feathers as a symbol of what is highest, bravest, strongest and holiest. Eagle Katsina dolls are among the most significant in Hopi tradition, symbolizing power, vision, and the eagle's role as a messenger between the people and the spiritual world. These dolls are traditionally carved from cottonwood root, often with attached or extended wings to capture the bird's majestic spread-wing pose, and painted vibrantly with natural and acrylic colors. Honanie's pieces frequently feature dynamic poses, intricate feather details, and a deep respect for the subject—even when made for sale.
They believe that the eagle embodies the spirits of their ancestors. In Spring, it is not unusual to see eaglets tethered on Hopi rooftops. They had been captured by Hopi youth who climbed up to the nest to take the baby eagles home where they were treated with respect. They would then be given baby presents and nursed tenderly. The eaglets were fed until Niman ceremony in mid-July after which time they would be sacrificed as part of the ceremony. After Niman, the katsinas would depart the Hopi villages and return to the San Francisco Peaks near Flagstaff, Arizona, where they would remain until winter. After the departure of the katsinas, the Hopi would then gently suffocate the now somewhat grown eagles whose spirits would then carry the Hopi’s prayers for rain to the ancestral katsinas. The eagles would then be buried in a special cemetery after their feathers were removed and saved for future purposes.
Due to the fragile nature of kachina dolls, we do not guarantee they will not break during shipping. We do our best to pack them well, but due to their fragile nature and even with the best packing, small pieces can break. If you are purchasing kachina dolls, please keep this in mind.
