Large Hopi Pueblo Tino Youvella Eototo Chief Kachina Doll By Tino Youvella

Late 20th Century

15.75" H

Hand Carved from Cottonwood Root with Great Carved Detail

In Very Good Condition

Tino Youvella is a Hopi-Tewa artist from First Mesa (specifically the village of Sichomovi/Polacca, Arizona), born around 1941. He belongs to the Kachina/Parrot Clan and began carving katsina dolls in 1962. He is known for detailed, all-cottonwood root carvings, avoiding excessive added materials for a more traditional/action-oriented style reminiscent of mid-20th-century dolls. His wife Geraldine has assisted with painting, and some of his sons (including Alexander Youvella Sr.) continue the family tradition in carving.

Eototo is one of the most important and sacred Hopi katsinam: known as the "Chief of All Katsinam" or "father" of the katsinam spirits. He serves as the spiritual counterpart to the village chief, emerging early in ceremonies (like Powamu) to announce the arrival of other katsinam, purify the village, and bring blessings for fertility, rain, and crops. Dolls of Eototo typically feature a distinctive white mask with black facial markings, a terraced headdress (representing clouds), and symbolic elements like prayer sticks or feathers.