Old Style Hopi Carved Corn Dancer Traditional Plant Katsina Doll by Ryon Polequaptewa
Corn Katsinam (Qaokatsina) are the most common of the plant impersonators. The Corn Katsinam appear during winter kiva dances and springtime plaza dances. Several types of Corn Katsinam represent the different varieties of corn given as presents during performances. These Katsinam come in the four colors of corn (the four directional colors--red, yellow, blue and white). Sometimes they have ears of corn painted on their masks; other times they have spots painted on their bodies that represent kernals of corn. This particular Katsina is believed to have come from Zuni many years ago. His name Sio Avachhoya means Zuni Corn Dancer. Like all of the Corn Katsinam his dance is to aid in the production of corn. Corn is the staple of Hopi life. Click on numbered boxes below image for additional views.
