Native American Hopi Carved Maasaw Death Kachina Doll (Katsina Doll)

Description

Native American Hopi Carved Maasaw Death Katsina Doll by Thomas Fredericks

Maasaw, also written as Masauwu or Masau, is known as the Hopi Death Katsina and as Creator. He is responsible for the Earth's surface, fire, and the underworld. Death was an important part of hunting and war, and hunters, warriors, and the shaman called upon him for assistance. Hunters sought food, and called upon Maasaw to guide the spirit of the animal into the underworld where it could enter the cycle of rebirth. Warriors sought the death of their enemy or power for battle. The Shaman sought to heal the sick, since Maasaw had power over death. This is a classic Thomas carving, including the carved base. This base shows the Maasaw Mana, Warrior Maiden, Ewiro, and Chakwaina, as well as the four directions, stars, planets and a small drum.