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Tile with Palhikwmana katsina
Native American, Hopi Pueblo
about 1892–99
Object Place: Hopi, Arizona, United States, Southwest
Medium/Technique
Earthenware with slip paint
Dimensions
18.41 x 10.48 x 1.27 cm (7 1/4 x 4 1/8 x 1/2 in.)
Credit Line
Seth K. Sweetser Fund
Accession Number1998.6
CollectionsAmericas
ClassificationsCeramics – Pottery – Earthenware
DescriptionFlat, rectangular tile with depiction of masked and ceremonially outfitted three-quarter length, frontal figure. Red border of one wide and one hairline stripe. Figure is shown with a "U"-shaped head wearing a headdress of three triangular shapes, one to each side and one on top. Within each triangle are two triangles, one red and one brown-black and two scallops. Eyes are triangular slits, cheeks bear red circles, and triangles cover the area from nose to chin in alternating colors. Ringed neck, bulbous shoulder/upper arms terminating with feathered circles, and sweeping triangular body clad with a garment decorated with steps and triangles complete the figure.
ProvenanceBy the 1970s, Tony Berlant, Santa Monica, CA [see note]; December 4, 1997, anonymous (consigned by Tony Berlant) sale, Sotheby's, New York, lot 199, to the MFA. (Accession Date: March 18, 1998)
NOTE: Said to have been in his collection for at least 20 years at the time of the Sotheby's sale.
NOTE: Said to have been in his collection for at least 20 years at the time of the Sotheby's sale.