Tom Collateta
Priest Killer
12 1/2"
total height
Note:
While this figure seems rather
macabre, it should be understood within the Hopi cultural and
historical context.
During the Pueblo Revolt period
of 1680, the Hopis participated in their own revolt - purging
their villages of catholicism by burning cathedrals and taking
the lives of any priests who refused to leave.
Over time, a kachina was introduced
to explain these events and also to take on the identity of those
who participated in the bloodshed.
Tom Collateta Sr. is one of
the old time kachina carvers from the early generation. He is
from the village of Polacca, at First Mesa and continues to carve
in the same style he began with decades ago.
His carvings continue to feature
fur and feather adornment, brightly colored paints, and often
feature figures with removable case masks.
