Native American Hopi Carved Snow Maiden and Corn Maiden Kachina Dolls (Katsina Dolls)

Description

Native American Hopi Carved Snow Maiden and Corn Maiden Katsina Dolls by Paul Huma

Snow Maiden (Qotsa Mana or Nuvak'chin Mana) is most often seen accompanying Hemis during the Home Dance (Niman) Ceremony. She represents the snow and is one of the rasping Katsinam as well. Her presence is a prayer for the coming cold weather, for snow to fall over the winter so that in the springtime there will be moisture in the land for planting. This Snow Maiden is carrying gifts for the children at the Home Dance. Behind her is the Corn Maiden. 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 beautiful base they share shows the Sunface lighting and warming the sky, the pueblo and the growing corn. The Hopi rain clouds and the snow covered San Francisco peaks are also shown on this base.