Vintage 1976 Hopi Hemis Katsina Kachina Doll 17.5\" Signed Merlin Kopelva Tableta For Sale

A striking Hopi Hemis (Home Dance) Katsina doll hand-carved and painted by Hopi artist Merlin Kopelva (frequently transcribed or misread as Marvin Kypelva), dated 1976, standing an impressive 17.5 inches tall. The tableta (headdress) is a showstopper — this traditional cottonwood root carving features a boldly painted magnificent, multi-tiered tableta headdress intricately painted with classic cloud, rainbow, and corn motifs in vivid turquoise, yellow, red, and purple pigments and adorned with natural feathers including a central upright feather and flanking wing feathers.

• Height: approximately 17.5 inches tall
• Medium: carved cottonwood root with hand-applied polychrome paint
• Accented with natural fur ruff at the mask/neck junction and feather adornments throughout
• Signed and dated on the base: Merlin Kopelva, 1976
• Hemis Katsina style — one of the most celebrated and collectible Katsina figures
• Full-figure carving with detailed painted body, kilt, and moccasins

The paint shows vivid, well-preserved color across the tableta and body with expected minor wear consistent with nearly 50 years of age — slight rubbing on high points and light surface patina that adds to its character. All feathers and fur ruff are intact. A substantial, museum-quality piece from a named Hopi artist.