Native American Hopi Carved Corn Maiden Kachina Doll (Katsina Doll)

Description

Native American Hopi Carved Corn Maiden Katsina Doll by Bennett Sockyma

Of all the women who appear with other Katsinam, the Katsina Maiden, or Katsinmana, is the most prevalent. If she is carrying blue corn, she is known as the Blue Corn Maiden, similarly yellow corn, etc. She appears at Soyal ceremony and marks the beginning of the Katsina season by marking the openings to the kivas with cornmeal. She often appears in regular Kachina dances with household goods, accompanied by Long Haired Kachina. Her presence is a prayer for corn. She also honors Mother Earth and her continuing ability to feed her children. Placing this Kachina in your home, particularly on an altar, shows respect for the many gifts we receive each day from Mother Earth. This gentle maiden reminds us always to be thankful. A Kachina Maiden often will change her name to that of the Kachina with whom she is dancing, although her appearance does not change. This particular one by Bennett is carrying a rasp and a gourd to kneel on the ground and call for the rain.