Hopi Kachina Sohu Star Doll By Steward Lanza

8" H x  1.75" D

Hand Carved and Painted Cottonwood Root

Excellent Condition

The Sohu "Star" Kachina by Steward Lanza represents a celestial figure in Hopi tradition. "Sohu" translates to "star" in the Hopi language, and this Kachina is often associated with the night sky, guidance, or cosmic harmony.  Kachinas are spiritual beings in Hopi culture, embodying natural elements, ancestors, or concepts, and are carved as dolls to teach about these spirits.

An 8-inch height suggests a detailed, mid-sized piece, likely hand-carved from cottonwood root, a traditional material valued for its strength and light weight.  Steward Lanza is presumably a Hopi artist (though not widely documented in public sources under this exact spelling), and his work would reflect the evolving artistry of contemporary Kachina carving—detailed, expressive, and possibly featuring painted stars or celestial symbols on the figure’s mask or body.