Native American Hopi Carved Turtle Kachina Sculpture (Katsina Sculpture)

Description

Native American Hopi Carved Turtle Katsina Sculpture by Harold Nevayaktewa

The Turtle Katsina (Kahaila) is an important part of the Hopi culture. The Turtle Katsina is often mistaken for Katsin Mana which is often seen with the Turtle. The long beard on this Katsina represents falling rain, and the feathers on the beard are symbols of prayers. The Hopi believe that like the turtle, some of their ancestors came from the oceans making it sacred to the Hopi people. Many Native Americans call the earth Turtle Island, in this way the turtle represents the living spirit of Mother Earth. Turtle is not only a symbol of longevity but is also an excellent messenger for carrying our prayers to the earth. The turtle is the magical animal that never sickened and brings health and luck. This wonderful carving the North Star above the pueblo in the morning light. The Katsina is holding a turtle and there is one on either side of him. The dots all over the sky and the body represent our prayers. The back has a Hopi man with his pipe. The smoke is heading up to the Sun praying for warmth to help the plants grow. This incredibly detailed carving is mounted on a slate base with a cork bottom so it does not mark the surface it is placed on.