Old Style Hopi Carved Rock Eater Traditional Angry Katsina Doll

Description

Old Style Hopi Carved Rock Eater Traditional Angry Katsina Doll by Quinston Taylor

Rock Eater or Stone Eater (Owa-ngazrozro) is one of the older Katsinam and there is much variation in his appearance between the Mesas. This is an example of a Third Mesa Rock Eater. He is one of the Angry Katsinam and is most often in the Bean Dance (Powamuya). He is usually led by a rope around his waist which is held by a Mudhead (Koyemsi). The Koyemsi constantly pick on him. This Katsina is so ill-tempered that out of anger and frustration he eats rocks. Another story states that rocks are thrown at him by the Koyemsi and he catches and eats them. On Second Mesa this Katsina is primarily a guard and a target for the antics of the clowns.