Native American Hopi Carved Longhair Redbeard Katsina Doll

Description

Native American Hopi Carved Longhair Redbeard Katsina Doll by Troy Quimayousie

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. This particular carving shows the Redbeard carrying a gourd with rasper to call the rain as well as a small Snow Maiden which will be gifted to a child at the ceremony.