The Cloud Katsinas are responsible for the rain that moistens the arid Southwest desert which helps the Hopi people grow the crops they need for survival. The white at the top of the head represents the top of the clouds, the colors at the side show the darker sections of the cloud as it takes on water and the darkest color on the underside of the headpiece and on the face is saved for the to illustrate the underside of the raincloud where it is the darkest.