Native American Hopi Carved Whipper Kachina Doll (Katsina Doll)

Description

Native American Hopi Carved Whipper Katsina Doll by Thomas Fredericks

The Whipper Katsina appears in different colors representing the different directions. The Crow Mother is the mother of the Hu Katsinam and she appears with them to aid in whipping the children at ceremonies. The Hu whips the initiates and when their yucca whips wear out, the Crow Mother takes them and supplies new ones. These Katsinam appear at Angk'wa (mainly at Third Mesa) and are also responsible for maintaining order during the ceremony. Since the Hu is a whipper, he also punishes clowns, children, and people when they misbehave.