Native American Hopi Carved Longhair and Hano Maiden Katsina Sculpture

Description

Native American Hopi Carved Longhair and Hano Maiden Katsina Sculpture by Calvin Pavatea

The Longhair Maiden (Angak'chinamana) is originally from Zuni Pueblo. Long Hair Katsinam appear at most Hopi Mesas. The long loose hair represents falling rain. She is one of the most popular of all Katsinam. These Katsinam appear in a group and sing a very powerful melodious song which may be one of the reasons that they are such favorites. They often appear at the Home Dance (Niman). Their purpose is to bring rain, and it is said that they seldom dance without the appearance of a soft gentle rain to help the crops grow. This beautiful piece shows a Hano Maiden planting seed and a small Grandmother on the back of the Long Hair Maiden.