Old Style Hopi Carved Rattle Traditional Racer Katsina Doll--Green

Description

Old Style Hopi Carved Rattle Traditional Racer Katsina Doll by Orlan Honyumptewa

The Rattle Katsina (Aya) is rarely carved. His name is derived from the mask, which resembles a Hopi rattle given to children at the Powamuya or Niman ceremonies. Aya is a name for the Hopi dance rattles. These Katsinam come to the ceremonies in pairs but race one at a time. Some Aya Katsinam carry yucca whips to swat the loser of each race.