Native American Hopi Carved White Chin Katsina Sculpture

Description

Native American Hopi Carved White Chin Katsina Sculpture by Harold Nevayaktewa

The White Chin (Tuma-uyi) is one of the oldest Katsinam of the Hopi. He has not performed in years, but when he did perform, he came to the dances in a group. He also came during the Powamuya ceremony, but he can be personated at any time. His Hopi name literally means "white chin" and seems to derive from the white clay (kaolin) used to coat Katsina dolls before they are painted. Others say that it is his responsibility to watch over the whitewash on the inside and outside of the homes. His primary function is to bring rain, which would explain the long black hair in back, much like the Longhair Katsina. This White Chin has the most spectacular braided hair. The front of the sculpture shows the corn at the base and the sky just breaking at dawn. The North star is visible as is a shooting star. Butterflies flit around te pots of water. A young Hopi boy is carrying a pot to collect water in. The back of the sculpture shows a large corn plant reaching for more water from the springs.