Native American Made Ogre Woman Disciplinarian Katsina Doll

Ogres (Tseveyo) serve as disciplinarians in the Hopi culture, instilling the traditional values of the Pueblo in its children. Known for their fierce and intimidating demeanor, these Katsinam, also referred to as Boogeymen, evoke fear among the young ones. However, the children are eventually rescued by the people of their Pueblo. The Black Ogre (Nata-aska) and the White Ogre (Wiharu) are armed with a saw (or sometimes a knife), along with a bow and arrows for hunting. Their most distinctive feature is their long, clacking jaws.

These Ogres accompany Ogre Woman (Soyoko Wuhti) when she visits the Mesas to instruct the children to gather food for the Katsinam. Nata-aska also appears to demonstrate the potential punishments if the children fail to comply with Soyoko Wuhti’s demands. As a disciplinary tactic, children are told that the Ogres can swallow them whole unless they behave. During most ceremonies, the Nata-aska Katsinam successfully ensure that the children follow instructions. By the ceremony’s end, the village men reclaim the collected food from the Nata-aska Katsinam.

This piece is a remarkable example of a style rarely seen today. Few artists continue to create Native American dolls with such meticulous carving, painting, and detailing. The action depicted is dynamic and the craftsmanship is exceptionally accurate.  ^