This impressive sculptural rattle is shaped like a mudhead kachina (koyemsi). These rattles are called a Kaya in Hopi culture. Traditionally they are gifted to Hopi boy children to help teach them about spiritual ways in the Hopi world. It was made using a hooknecked gourd for the central portion of the piece, with added elements that were carved of wood. It is painted with acrylic paints in brown, black & white; the white designs on the face & head add visual motion & rhthym to the design- a perfect aesthetic for an instrument meant to be in movement with the beat of the drum! There is a loop of leather at the top so that you can hang it up for display. This is unsigned. It measures approx 15" H x 9" W x 9" D.  There are some signs of light wear that is barely noticeable at the extremities. The way they made it, there is a seam in the handle: likely they cut it open to reinforce the handle before reassembling it. This would be a standout in any collection of ethnographic pieces! 

Very Good Condition!