Native American Hopi Carved Turtle Kachina Sculpture (Katsina Sculpture)

Description

Native American Hopi Carved Turtle Katsina Sculpture by Bryson Huma

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 also shows the Sunface, one of the most powerful entities who brings warmth and happiness. The carving shows a stalk of corn, a staple crop for the Hopi, in all four directional colors and a butterfly...a sure sign of crops, pollination, spring and beauty.