Native American Hopi Carved Corn Maiden and Longhair Redbeard Katsina Sculpture

Description

Native American Hopi Carved Corn Maiden and Longhair Redbeard Katsina Sculpture by Andy Rickey (dec. 2009)

Of all the women who appear with other Katsinam, the Katsina Maiden, or Katsinmana, is the most prevalent. If she is carrying blue corn, she is known as the Blue Corn Maiden, similarly yellow corn, etc. She is carrying gifts for the children attending Home Dance. Her presence is a prayer for corn. She also honors Mother Earth and her continuing ability to feed her children. Placing this Katsina in your home, particularly on an altar, shows respect for the many gifts we receive each day from Mother Earth. This gentle maiden reminds us always to be thankful. 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 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. The red beard represents the rain falling through the setting sun, when it can appear as if the sky is bleeding. This beautiful, crisp piece is a classic by the late Andy Rickey.