I-M-163 Snake dancer.
The Hopi are famous for their carved cottonwood kachina dolls but they also often carved images that were non-kachina in nature. This particular carving is of a Hopi snake priest who would perform during the snake dance. This famous dance belongs to one of the numerous non-kachina ceremonies and takes place during late August. The dance is performed by the Snake and Antelope societies and alternates each year with the Flute ceremony. This large carving is on a stand with a fully animated stance indicating that it was probably made during the 1960's time frame. Various costume parts are added to the carving using leather and shells with the rather realistic snake being done in rope.
This attractive and dramatic example of a snake dancer measures 16 inches including its stand. $450.00