Native American Hopi Carved Mudheads Katsina Doll

Description

Native American Hopi Carved Mudheads Katsina Doll by Shirley Honie

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 Katsinam appear in almost every Hopi dance. This Mudhead playing piggyback was carved by Hopi artist Shirley Honie. It is a wonderful carving and one of the few we have gotten in piggyback style.