Hopi Pueblo Kachina White Chin Maiden Doll By Mike Collateta

Late 20th Century

9.375" H x 2.625" L x 3.125" W

Hand Carved from a Single Piece of Cottonwood Root and Hand Painted in White, Yellow, Green, Black, Purple, Teel, Light Blue, Pink and Red Colors

In Mint Condition

The White Chin Maiden Doll is a traditional Hopi Kachina (or Katsina) doll representing Nuvak'chin Mana, also known as the Snow Maiden or White Chin Maiden. This is a female Kachina spirit in Hopi Pueblo culture, symbolizing winter, snow, and fertility. The white chin alludes to the white paint or markings on the doll's face, which mimic snow or ceremonial makeup. These dolls are hand-carved educational and spiritual artifacts, often given to Hopi children (especially girls) to teach about the over 250 Kachina spirits that guide natural cycles, bring rain, and maintain harmony with nature.

Mike Collateta is a noted carver and is a contemporary or lesser-documented Hopi artisan specializing in authentic, traditional-style dolls. Hopi carvers like him typically work from Second Mesa or other Hopi villages in Arizona, preserving centuries-old techniques.