Hopi Pueblo Sivu-i-kil Taka Hilili Kachina Doll By Larry Sautikie

Late 20th Century

11" H

Hand Carved from Cottonwood Root and Adorned with String, Fur and Feathers

In Very Good Condition

Larry Sautikie is a Hopi artisan known for carving kachina dolls.

The Hilili "is apparently a kachina that has made its way from Acoma or Laguna by a process of osmosis. In these pueblos he is known as Heleleka. By the time he reached the Hopis prior to the turn of the century, his name had changed to Hilili, 'from the call that he makes.'

"His first appearance was among the Hopis of First Mesa and the other two mesas made known their disapproval by calling this a witch or Powak Kachina. However, his popularity as a guard kachina and admiration for his rapid dance has increased.

"Now he is found on all the mesas in a great variety of forms. He appears very frequently in the Powamu and in the Night Dances."

According to Barton Wright, this katsina is one of many names. He may be called Matya, Malatsmo, Malachpeta, Matyso or Sivu-i-kil Taka. A different name signifies a different function, although the appearance of the katsina is the same. He is sometimes referred to as the Hand Katsina, reflecting the hand on his face. He also may be known as the Pot Carrier, because of the pot on his back that he sometimes carries.