Old Style Hopi Carved Warrior Maiden Katsina Doll

Description

Old Style Hopi Carved Warrior Maiden Katsina Doll by Paul Huma

The Warrior Maiden (He'e'e) represents a warrior spirit. Each Mesa has a story about He'e'e. At one, it is said that the women were preparing for their day (hence, her hair up in a whorl on one side and down straight on the other) when the village was attacked. Grabbing their father's weapons all of the women fought the attackers until help arrived. The marauders set fire to the village and because of this the Maiden is always shown in black with a black face, her clothing and face covered in soot from the fire. This Katsina is a potent warrior, and during the Pachavu Ceremony she leads a band of fearsome warrior Katsinam to protect the procession. Because she is so potent, there are other guards who protect certain ceremonies from her dangerous presence.