Native American Hopi Carved Longhair, Chakwaina, Heoto Mana and Redbeard Kachina Sculpture (Katsina Sculpture)

Description

Native American Hopi Carved Longhair, Chakwaina Mana, Heoto Mana and Redbeard Kachina Sculpture by Harold Nevayaktewa

The Longhair (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) represents the rain falling through the setting sun, when it can appear as if the sky is bleeding. The Chakwaina Mana functions as a guard or warrior. They are believed to be fashioned after Esteban the Moor who led the Spanish on their search for the city of Cibola. The Heoto Mana Kachina is in a category of Kachinas that can either be considered as warriors, or guards. Individually, the Heoto mana may function as a policewoman. The Sunface represents the sun, warmth and happiness. Below all these figures is the pueblo with the North Star overhead. The bottom and back of the sculpture is covered in Hopi symbols for rain and crops growing. Harold did his standard spectacular detail on this piece.