Native American Hopi Carved Turtle Kachina Sculpture (Katsina Sculpture)

Description

Native American Hopi Carved Turtle Katsina Sculpture by Trevor Crook

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 shows the wind blowing the beard and prayer feathers as well has his wearing blanket. The blanket has all the colors of the rainbow, which is a sure sign of water. A really great carving by a young man.