Native American Hopi Carved Owl Warrior Katsina Doll by Milton Howard
Owl (Mongwu) is beneficial to agriculture because he destroys harmful rodents. He symbolizes intelligence, wisdom, and a good hunt. The Owl (Mongwu) is the leader of the warrior Katsinam and appears in the Mixed Dances. He is best known for his interactions with the Clown Dancers. He watches the Clown Dancers poor behavior with strong disapproval. When the Clown Dancers are finished performing, the Owl Katsina whips them with yucca blades to punish them for their non-Hopi behavior. Click on numbered boxes below image for additional views.
