Native American Hopi Carved Marao Katsina Doll by Malcolm Howard
The Marao Katsina is filled with contradictions. It is said that he originated at Zuni, but all of his regalia points to a Navajo-inspired Katsina. It wears a tripod on its head which belongs to the Mamzrau, a woman's society. However, beneath the headdress his cheeks carry the symbols of war. The Marao appears in Plaza Dances in the late spring. Each Mesa has its own version of this Katsina (this one is Third Mesa). Click on numbered boxes below image for additional views.
