Native American Hopi Carved Rattle Racer Kachina Doll (Katsina Doll)

Description

Native American Hopi Carved Rattle Racer Katsina Doll by Andrew Duwyenie

The Rattle Katsina (Aya) is rarely carved. His name is derived from his mask, which resembles a Hopi rattle given to children at the Powamuya or Niman ceremonies. Aya is a name for the Hopi dance rattles. These Katsinam come to ceremonies in pairs but race one at a time. Some Aya Katsinam carry yucca whips to swat the loser of each race. The Aya wears a white or blue Rattle mask with painted designs on each side. The cross represent the four directions. The mask is marked by a black design that looks like stitches. These stitches represent the Milky Way Galaxy, or where we are in the universe.