Native American Hopi Carved Longhair Redbeard Kachina Doll (Katsina Doll)

Description

Native American Hopi Carved Longhair Redbeard Katsina Doll by Lauren Honyouti

The Longhair Redbeard (Hokyan 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 Katsinam. These Katsinam appear in a group and sing a very powerful melodious song which may be one of the reasons 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. The red beard represents the rain falling through the setting sun, when it can appear as if the sky is bleeding. Next to this wonderful carving is a sculpture of two Longhair Katsinam (Angak'china) . The base of the carving is etched and painted in classic Honyouti style. This piece came from a private collection and is pristine.