Clown/Devil Bolo with Aholi Katsina

Artist Michael Sockyma Sr. (Hopi)

Nametie, string

Date1993

Mediumsilver, leather

Dimensions22 5/16 in. (56.7 cm) hanging length; slide 13.4cm x 4.1cm x 1.7cm; silver cones 8cm x 2cm.

Credit LineGift of Don and Rita Morgan

CultureHopi

Markingsartist's hallmark is curved corn plant extending up from dome.

InscribedM with S slightly to right and below.

Object numberA2014-3-8

ClassificationsMay Collection

DescriptionHand wrought; narrow black braided leather tie, with stamped silver cone tips, each with pendant silver triangle having overlay abstract decoration; silver slide is flat elongated, concave rectangle, wider at top, with stamped zigzag design and oxidation over all; overlay katsina figure is soldered to small tab, and then to background giving floating appearance; katsina has conical hat and wears a kilt, and appears to carry round object in actual right hand.

InterpretationsFrom "Hopi Katsina Dolls: with a key to their identification," Rev. ed., by Harold S. Colton. Univ. of New Mexico Press, Albuquerque, 1970, p. 22: "8. Aholi kachina chief's lieutenant. High conical mask with tugts of hair in place of ears. Fox skin ruff. He wears a white kilt, sash, fox skin, and a painted blanket with a likeness of the Germ God over his shoulders. On his feet are red moccasins. Carries a staff or wand. Aholi appears at the Bean Dance as a companion of Eototo."

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