Old Style Hopi Carved Longhair Traditional Rain Dancer Katsina Doll

Description

Old Style Hopi Carved Longhair Traditional Rain Dancer Katsina Doll by the Katsinam

The Longhair (Angak'china) is originally from Zuni Pueblo. Longhair appears at most Hopi Mesas. He wears his hair loose on his back to represent falling rain. He is one of the most popular of all Katsinam. These Katsinam appear in a group and sing a very powerful melodious song which may be one of the reasons that they are such favorites. They often appear at the Home Going Dance (Niman). Their purpose is to bring rain, and it is said that they seldom dance without the appearance of a soft gentle rain to help the crops grow. This contemporary wall hanging was gifted to a young girl at a Kachina dance by one of the Katsinam. The carvings are used as teaching tools for the young girls. This Longhair is coming right out of the corn. Without the rain he brings there will be no harvest. This piece has a small "DR" penned on the backside. Could be the carver, would be unusual.