Native American Hopi Carved Longhair Redbeard Katsina Sculpture

Description

Native American Hopi Carved Longhair Redbeard Katsina Sculpture by John Fredericks

The Longhair Redbeard (Hokyan Angak'china) is originally from Zuni Pueblo. Longhair appears at most Hopi Mesas. He wears his hair loose on his back to represent falling rain. He 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 Going 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. The Redbearded Angak'china or (Hokyan Angak'china) is so named because of the peculiar step he uses in dancing. This larger sculpture by John has a vignette in the center of the kiva from the top showing someone smoking a peace pipe. The sun peeks down from the sky.