Hopi Pueblo Scavenger ooh-hu-hu Kachina Doll By Mihpi Chapella

ca. 1991

15.5" H

Hand Carved from Cottonwood Root with Great Carved Detail

In Very Good Condition

Mihpi Chapella of Hopi Pueblo, is a carver of Katsina dolls. Mihpi won an award in 1988, 2nd Inter-tribal Indian Ceremonial, Gallup, NM. Mihpi's favorite figures are Chakwaina - Afmily related to Longhair Katsina, Koyòngkatsina - Turkey Katsina. Reference: Hopi Katsina: 1,600 Artist Biographies by Gregory and Angie Schaaf.

The Scavenger kachina is a rare figure who supposedly depicts a looter of the ruins of Awatovi. Located on Antelope Mesa, Awatovi was destroyed by rival factions from other villages who opposed the adoption of catholicism into the tribe.

Today, all that is left of the old village are bits and pieces from the old stone dwellings and dug-outs which were once used as kivas. One legend has it that it eats everything in its path, especially Koyemsi and Koshari clowns. It is always on a relentless search for "food" and the clowns fear it. The story does have a happy ending, however, the clowns always escape and the Scavenger has to look elsewhere for food.