Native American Hopi Warrior Maiden Kachina Doll (Katsina Doll)

Description

Native American Hopi Warrior Maiden Katsina Doll by Henry Naha

The Warrior Maiden (He'e'e) represents a warrior spirt. Each mesa has a story about He'e'e. On First Mesa, it is said that a young maiden was preparing for her and the men were out in the fields when the village was attacked. Grabbing her weapons she, and the other women, fought the attackers who set fire to the village. The men saw the smoke from the fire and came to fight as well. The smoke from the fire blackened everyone's faces and the Maiden is always shown in black with a black face. Her clothing and face covered in soot from the fire. The Warrior Maiden survived the battle and saved the village. This Katsina is a potent warrior, and during the Pachavu Ceremony, she leads a band of fearsome warrior Katsinam to protect the procession. Because she is so potent, there are other guards who protect certain ceremonies from her dangerous presence. This wonderful piece is an earlier carving by Henry. We acquired it from a private collection.