Wupamo is both a chief and a guard. He appears on all three mesas as a guard during the Bean Dance and carries whips to punish those who are not behaving properly. He seems to not be a very imposing figure, however, he is an important katsina. He not only is a guard at the dances, but he may also serve in this same capacity at secret ceremonies in the kivas or assist with the cleaning of the springs by keeping the men on the job. During Bean Planting Festival Powamu he may be seen patrolling the procession to keep the onlookers clear of the route or urging the laggard clowns onward.
Wupamo moves quickly and uses yucca whips to threaten all offenders. Those who wish to be cured of rheumatism can approach him with that portion of their body turned in his direction and he will strike them with several hard blows on the offending parts. He is sometimes known as the Furious Katsina and is held back by a rope tied around his waist and held by a Koyemsi (Mudhead).
Click on numbered boxes below image for additional views.
