Native American Hopi Carved Mudhead Katsina Doll by Richard Gorman

The Mudhead (Koyemsi) leads the racers into the village and challenges villagers in contests to prove their strength. During the rests in a dance, Mudheads may engage in games with the boys and girls in the audience. At other times, only a single Mudhead may appear as a drummer for a group. Should a dancer not have the proper mask or be late in arriving, he can easily become a Mudhead by donning that mask. These Katsinas appear in almost every Hopi dance. Richard Gorman did a wonderful job on this little Mudhead. Click on numbered boxes below image for additional views.