Hopi Pueblo Matia (Natia)/Malatsmo Hand/Pot Carrier Man Katsina Doll By E. Wyteva

Late 20th Century

9" H Including Base

Hand Carved from Cottonwood Root Signed on Base

In Very Good Condition

This Kachina represents the pot carriers, a symbol of balance and equality.

"The Pot Carrier Man is a kachina of many names. When he appears as a runner, he is generally called Matia, his costume is abbreviated and no maiden accompanies him. If he appears with a mana walking behind stirring the pot that he carries, he is known by the name of Talakin.

"Other names are Malachpeta and Malatsmo (Hand Kachina). Usually the pot is carried by the strap being passed over the forehead rather than the shoulders. The legs are either painted or covered with white pants rather than with the knitted stockings that are generally reserved for chief kachinas.

"In addition this is the only kachina who wears wedding robe tassels for ears. The tassels may be attached as earrings to the red ears or simply hang along from the side of the mask. The ruff is of cloth, either gray or black and white as in the ruff of the Zuni-derived kachinas."
- Barton Wright, Kachinas: a Hopi Artist Documentary (121)