Antique Hopi Crow Mother Kachina and Amos Wheaton Goldeneye Drake Decoy Come to Sale with Brunk Auctions

Hopi kachina dolls, also known as katsina figures, are carved from cottonwood root by the people of the Hopi Tribe of Arizona. Native Americans in the Southwest traditionally believe that with the advent of the winter season, spirit beings called kachinas descend on Earth. They are said to carry messages from the spirit world. During the katsina ceremony, these figures are bestowed upon the daughters of the community. After the ceremony, these dolls are displayed on the walls. The upcoming sale, offered by Brunk Auctions, will feature a Crow Mother kachina or Angwusnasomtaqa (circa 1930s – 40s). Carved in polychrome cottonwood, she is regarded as the mother of all kachinas and leads the initiation rites for children. 

Another lot of interest is an Amos Wheaton goldeneye drake decoy (circa 1920). It has a prominent head shape and a pronounced paddle tail. The thee-piece hollow body has a separation between the neck and back crest of the head. A morganite from the collection of Peter L. Via also leads the catalog. The specimen is semi-translucent pink in color with black schorl inclusions. It was mined from Mina Urubu NR Teofilo Otoni, Brazil. To view the complete catalog and register to bid in The Great Outdoors | July 10, 2024 sale, visit Bidsquare and browse other online auctions. Follow Auction Daily to read the latest auction previews and check out more upcoming events.