A Hopi katsina figure
Circa 1913-1918; First Mesa (Walpi), Polacca, AZ
The standing katsina (kachina) figure of carved cottonwood, with traces of polychrome painted clothing and face mask affixed to a modern black base
11.375" H x 3.75" W x 3.25" D; with stand: 12.625" H x 3.75" W x 3.5" D
Provenance:
Property of the American Broadcasting Companies, New York, NY
Walt Disney Co., Burbank, CA, acquired by corporate merger with the above
Private Collection, Los Angeles, CA, acquired from the above

Other Notes: This early katsina figure likely originates from the collection of George Gustav Heye (1874-1957), who established the Museum of the American Indian. Heye's core collection went on to become the foundation of the National Museum of the American Indian, now part of the Smithsonian Institute in Washington D.C.

Accompanied by a paper tag reading: "Polacca, Arizona, / August 23, 1918. / Hopi katsina [illegible] / made by [Bucto] / of Walpi, on First / Mesa / XiZ." Verso of tag reads: "For John J. Ward." Label to base reads: Katchina doll, very old, and finely painted / figure made in Polacca, Arizona in 1913. / Ex-collection Hyde Foundation. 11 1/2 inches / tall."

Overall good condition with scattered scuffs, shrinkage cracks, and surface wear to pigments commensurate with age. Appears to be missing ears. With previous repaired crack to left leg, possible repairs to the mouth and eyes with an adhesive visible under blacklight. The base is contemporary. Condition reports are offered as a courtesy and are typically published in Moran's catalogue or can be made available upon request. The absence of a condition report does not imply that an item is free from defects or restoration, nor does a reference to particular defects imply the absence of others. Buyers are responsible for determining to their own satisfaction the true nature and condition of any lot prior to bidding. Though buyers are not legally required to inspect lots prior to purchase, failure to do so may constitute a waiver of complaint that an item was not delivered in a condition equal to the existent condition at the auction.