Old Style Hopi Carved Cocklebur Traditional Runner Katsina Doll by Raynard Lalo

Any of the Cactus Katsinam can appear as guards or enforcer Katsinam, and the staff that they carry often has a cactus joint attached at the end as a weapon. They include Cholla (Osok’china), Hano Cholla (ushe), Prickly Pear Maiden (yungya mana), and Prickly Pear or Cocklebur (navukchina). As a runner the Navukchina carries a handful of cockleburs which he rubs into the hair of the loser of the footrace. The cocklebur plant grows in marshy areas and is a indicator of water. Click on numbered boxes below image for additional views.