ENGLISH NAME:
Kachina |
HOPI NAME:
Katsina |
MEANING OR STORY:
|
| Antelope |
Chop |
There are
many similarities between
the Antelope Kachina (Chop
or Sowi-ing) and the Deer
Kachina, they can be
differentiated by the deer's
antlers or the antelope's
horns. The Antelope Kachinas
dance is a prayer for more
rain and for more Antelope.
When he appears, he is often
accompanied by the Mountain
Sheep Kachina, and the Wolf
Kachina. The motions that
the Antelope Kachina does
when he dances are: bending
forward at the waist and
resting the front part of
the body upon the stick that
he usually carries. The
sticks represent the front
legs of an actual antelope. |
| Apache |
Yoche |
The Yoche or Apache Kachina
is mainly seen during the
Kiva Dances. In the dances,
the Apache Kachina portrays
an Apache at war or heading
for war. The color of this
Kachina is not always the
same, they tend to where
different colors in dances,
and are painted different
colors in Kachina dolls. |
| Badger |
Hototo |
The Hototo or
Badger Kachina can be seen
in all Mesas on the Hopi
Reservation. Mainly he is
seen during the Bean and
Mixed Kachina Dances at
First and Second Mesa. He
has many roles including
guard, gift bearer, and
warrior. The part he usually
plays is to gather wood for
the Kiva fires. He is named
after the sound that the
Kachina utters. Hototo can
also be known as the Honan
or Badger Kachina, depending
on the village. Hototo plays
many different roles in the
Hopi culture and is an
important part, as animals
are teachers, advisors, and
doctors to the Hopi people. |
| Bear |
Hon |
The Bear or
Hon Kachina is a great
legendary warrior. He
possesses strength that is
so great, that it is
believed that he could cure
the sick. There are a number
of different kinds of Bear
Kachinas. They are
distinguished by color, such
as Blue, White, Yellow, and
Black Bear Kachinas. The
bear dances as a watchman or
side dancer during the Soyal
Dance on First Mesa, and he
sings while dancing outside
the lines during the Mixed
Dance. His most distinctive
feature is the presence of a
bear footprint on both
cheeks. |
| Blue Whipper |
Sakwa Hu |
The Sakwa Hu or Blue Whipper
Kachina is considered an old
Kachina although it is
usually impersonated by
small boys. Its main
functions are that of a
guard at certain ceremonies
mainly in Third Mesa! He is
a whipper so he also
punishes clowns, children,
and people when they
misbehave! |
| Broad Faced |
Wuyak-kuita |
The
Broad-Faced or Wuyak-kuita
Kachina is a guard Kachina.
In every ceremony, he helps
the other guards prevent any
transgression on the path of
the Kachinas. He is not a
guard in the Powamu Ceremony
on First Mesa. He
accompanies the Soyoko and
helps her in all her
activities. The Broad Face
carries yucca whips and
moves in an intimidating
manner. He is the one who
moves toward the clowns and
terrifies them. On Third
Mesa, He is the Kachina who
guards the kivas to keep He
Wuhti from getting too close
during the Palolokong
Ceremony. |
| Buffalo |
Mosairu |
The
appearance of the Buffalo
Kachina (Mosairu) is similar
to the Buffalo Dancer with
one exception: the Buffalo
Kachina wears a mask. The
mask has globular eyes and a
snout. He usually dances in
the Plaza Dance with the
Mixed Dancers. They perform
using the rattle and the
lightning stick, and along
with the other game animal
Kachinas, they pray for an
increase of buffaloes. In
the past, most of the
Buffalo Kachinas were made
with green masks, but
nowadays they are commonly
found with black and white
ones. |
| Buffalo Maiden (Woman) |
Mosairu Mana |
The
Buffalo Maiden (Woman) or
Mosairu Mana appears with
Mosairu (Buffalo Kachina).
She prays for more
Buffaloes along with Mosairu.
Like most maidens,
the Buffaloe maiden also
asks for rain.
I t carries the sun
on its back, which
represents her presence in
summer dances. |
| Butterfly |
Poli Taka |
The Poli Taka
or Butterfly is an
impersonating Kachina.
Insects and reptiles are an
important part of Hopi
traditions. The Poli Taka is
usually played or portrayed
by a male in the Butterfly
Social Dance. The doll is
usually unmasked, but wears
a tablet. Orginally the
Kachina did not have wings,
but over time the wings wear
added onto the doll to
increase its popularity.
Like most Kachina's the Poli
Taka or butterfly functions
to bring rain and crops to
the earth. |
| Chief |
Eototo |
The Eototo or
Chief Kachina is the
spiritual counterpart of the
village chief and therefore,
he is known as the "father"
of all Kachinas. He knows
all of the ceremonies and
appears each year on all
three mesas. Usually, he
arrives with his companion
or lieutenant, Aholi, and
then, they would begin the
ceremony. They begin by
blessing each village and
marking it, so that the
clouds of rain will come.
Eototo would lead Aholi out
of the Chief Kiva and then,
he would draw cornmeal
symbols of clouds on the
ground. At each blessing,
Eototo is given prayer
feathers, and in return, the
kiva chief takes some of the
corn sprout that he carries.
These actions symbolize the
gift of water to the
villages and its crops. His
appearance is characteristic
of many of the older
Kachinas due to its
simplicity. |
| Chief's Lieutenant |
Aholi |
Aholi or Kachina Chief's
Lieutenant is the companion
of Eototo, and he helps him
bring moisture to the
villages. Unlike Eototo's
appearance on all three
mesas during the ceremonies,
Aholi only appears on the
Third Mesa. The Aholi
Kachina is a beautiful doll
that usually appears with a
tall blue helmet and a
colorful cloak that consist
the likeness of Muyingwa,
the Germ God. He wears a
cloak that consists of
colors that represents the
flowers and the essence of
summer. After Eototo blesses
the village, Aholi places
his staff on the cornmeal
symbol of clouds that Eototo
drew, and waves his staff in
an all encompassing fashion
while giving a long call:
?Ah-holiiiii!!?. As
lieutenant, his actions
always reinforce Eototo's
actions during the
ceremonies. Aholi and Eototo
always come as a pair. |
| Chili Pepper |
Tsil |
The Tsil or Chili Pepper
Kachina is a runner. He
would race or chase people
depending on the event, and
then put red pepper powder
or a whole entire pepper in
their mouths once he caught
them (or beat them in a
race). Usually, he is seen
carrying yucca whips in one
hand and a red pepper in the
other. Red peppers can also
be seen on the top of the
Tsil?s helmet. |
| Clown |
Koshari |
The Clown
or Koshari has many names,
which give some information
about his origin. Koshari is
the most commonly used name
for the clown. The Koshari
can be found in many
different pueblos. He can be
considered to be the father
of Kachinas. These clowns
are both sacred and profane
to the people. Their actions
are both humiliating and
funny. Carvers usually add
their own styles into the
making of the clown,
depending on what they see
as funny or humiliating.
Carving the clown gives the
carver the opportunity to
carve a piece of their
personality into the doll. |
| Clown |
Kaisale |
Kaisale is an interesting
clown with many colorful
stripes on his body. His
actions are similar to the
Tsuku, Hopi clown, but his
acts are more outrageous.
For example, he would eat a
watermelon by putting his
face in it. This act is a
favorite among the audience.
With this clown and others
the artist has an
opportunity to put his own
sense of humor and style
into making the doll. |
| Cold-Bringing Woman |
Horo or Yohozro Wuhti |
Horo is originally a Tewa
Kachina. Some people call it
Horo, but it is more
commonly known as Yohozro
Wuhti, the Cold-Bringing
Woman. Her purpose is as her
name goes, to bring the cold
or the whiteness of winter
to the Hopi. She is mostly
seen during Powamu on First
Mesa. Horo is seen carrying
a comb, which she uses to
mess up people?s hair when
she appears with Nuvak?china.
Horo is dressed in mainly
white clothing to represent
the white seen in winter. |
| Comanche |
Komanshi |
The
Komanshi or Comanche Kachina
is originally not Hopi, but
was converted to a Hopi
Kachina. It represents a
neighboring tribe of the
Hopi's, which is the
Comanche Tribe. Komanshi and
many other now Kachinas are
used to represent the people
of different tribes. These
Kachinas are usually seen as
social dance figures when
they participate in dances. |
| Corn Dancer |
Ka-e |
The Ka-e or Corn Dancer is
probably the most popular of
all the kachinas. They
appear in the Kiva Dances,
Plaza Dances and Mixed
Dances. He represents a
prayer for the fruition and
growth of corn. His costume
is similar to the designs of
the eastern pueblos with
distinguishable horizontally
crossed feathers on the
crown. |
| Corn Planter |
Koroasta |
The Koroasta
or Corn Planter Kachina is a
Rio Grande Keresan Kachina
where he is known as
Akorosta. He appears during
dances carring a stick (used
for planting) and seeds! He
influences the growth of
corn and is usually seen
carrying corn kernels in his
sack! |
| Cow |
Wakas |
The Cow or Wakas Kachina is
a recent addition into the
Hopi roster of kachinas. It
started around the turn of
the century, and it was
introduced by a Hano man on
First Mesa. Its name derived
from the Spanish name for
cows: ?vaca?. During the
dance, villagers would take
a feather from him to put
into their houses and
corrals so that it could
increase their stock of
cattle. |
| Crazy Rattle |
Tuskiapaya |
The Tuskiapaya or Crazy
Rattle Kachina is a runner.
Tuskiapaya can be seen
carrying yucca sticks, which
he uses to whip any one who
loses a race. To the winner,
the Tuskiapaya gives him
piki bread as a reward. This
kachina appears mainly
during spring dances to run
with the men of the
villages. |
| Cricket |
Susopa |
Although the Susopa or
Cricket is a runner kachina,
some villagers say that is a
kiva dancer. They say that
he appears in the Kiva Dance
at night. He is one of the
few kachinas that are known
to dance empty handed. The
Cricket Kachina usually
appears with a black
bandolier, cricket antennas,
and he wears a kilt made of
plaid shoulder blanket. |
| Crow |
Angwusi |
The Angwusi or Crow Kachina
is usually seen teaming up
with the Lizard Kachinas and
the Owl Kachinas during the
Soyohim Ceremany. Their main
function is to keep the
clowns in line. He would
join the other kachinas in
chastising the actions of
the clown until the clowns
got too far. Then, he would
punish them with the whips
he carries. All animals are
an important part of the
Hopi culture, they are
believed to provide
guidance, health, and
protection. |
| Crow Mother |
Angwusnasomtaka |
The Crow
Mother or Angwusnasomtaka
Kachina is considered by
many Hopis to be the
"mother" of all Kachinas.
She is a figure of great
dignity. She appears during
the Powamu Dance on all
three mesas, during the
initiation ceremony for the
children. As each child is
brought in for the ceremony,
the Crow Mother supervises
the initiation in the kiva..
She would supply a whip to
the Hu Kachinas who would
then, gives each child four
healthy strokes. The
children are then rewarded
with a prayer feather and a
meal before leaving the kiva.
Kachina dolls of Crow Mother
were plenty twenty years ago
but are not as commonly made
today. |
| Cumulus Cloud |
Tukwinong |
The Tukwinong or Cumulus
Cloud Kachina represents the
prayer for rain. It is a
prayer for heavy rain that
would nourish the fields.
His helmet represents the
white clouds, and the
feathers covering his face
represent rainfall. The mask
behind the feathers is
usually white with black
rectangular eyes. His three,
semi circle shapes on his
head lies parallel from
front to back. But this
appearance is different on
First Mesa. On First Mesa,
he appears without feathers
covering his face. The
Tukwinong always carries a
jug of water and is always
barefoot. |
| Cumulus Cloud Girl |
Tukwinong Mana |
The Cumulus Cloud Girl or
Tukwinong Mana is the sister
of the Cumulus Cloud Kachina.
The sister and brother are
rarely seen and appear only
during the Hopi Salako.
Besides the helping of her
brother, her function is not
really known. Her body is
usually a bluish-gray color
which is made of the mud the
is pulled up from the bottom
of springs. She is usually
seen carrying a bowl full of
meal, which is sometimes
divided into directional
Hopi colors. The colors of
the face and the headdress
vary from mesa to mesa. |
| Death Fly |
Mastop |
The Mastop or
Death Fly Kachina is the
second Kachina to appear on
the Third Mesa only. He
always arrives in pairs on
the next to last day of the
Soyal Ceremony. He
represents a prayer of
fertility for the Hopi women
from their dead Hopi
ancestors. In pairs, they
would seek women from child
to the very oldest, grab
their shoulders from behind,
and make a series of small
hops indicating copulation.
All Hopi women do not shy
away from his embrace
because it is a serious
fertility rite. |
| Deer Woman |
Sowi-ing Mana |
The Deer
Maiden or Sowi-ing Kachina
Mana has many similarities
between with the Antelope
Kachina Mana. The Deer
Kachina Mana's dance is a
prayer for more rain and for
more deer. When she appears,
she is often accompanied by
the Deer Kachina., and is
usually impersonated by a
man. All animals are an
important part of the Hopi
culture, they are believed
to provide guidance, health,
and protection. |
| Disheveled |
Motsin |
The Motsin or
Disheveled Kachina is a
guard, but is more known as
a community leader. He
enforces the attendance of
the people to any community
work parties. Carrying
whatever tools he needs to
enforce with (usually
carries a rope in one hand
and another tool in the
other), he would take all
the necessary actions needed
to get his job done. He used
to wear striped or torn out
shirts, but now, carvers
have made him in better
clothing. Still, he usually
appears black faced, with
warrior pahos on his head,
and feathers all around his
ears. |
| Dog |
Poko |
The Dog or Poko Kachina is a
spirit which represents all
domestic animals. It
is a very old Kachina, and
it is very important, as it
is believed to be the first
domesticated animal. His
importance and functions
are: friendship, protection,
and sheep herding. Sometimes
the Dog is considered to be
a hunter. He is normally
dressed as a line dancer.
The dog itself can vary in
costume and appearance
because there are so many
different types of dogs.
|
| Dragonfly |
Sivuftotovi |
The Sivuftotovi or the
Dragonfly Kachina is usually
seen carrying a yucca whip
in one hand and a jar of
corn smut (dark in color).
Other times he is seen
carrying just the yucca
whips. He is a runner or
racer. Sivuftotovi would
race his opponent and once
he beat them he would either
beat them with his yucca
whip or smear them with the
corn smut! This Kachina can
be seen in many different
variations depending on the
village it came from! |
| Dress |
Kwasa-itaka |
The
Kwasa-itaka or Dress Kachina
is the Hopi version of the
Zuni Koroasta. He is
referred to as the Dress
Kachina because he usually
wears a woman?s dress
without a belt. The lines
around his face are meant to
represent the colors of the
rainbow. He has influence
over the growth of the corn
crop, and distributes seeds
to spectators during the
ceremony. |
| Eagle |
Kwahu |
The Eagle or Kwahu appears in
the Kiva Dances in March, or
during the Powamu Ceremony.
His dance resembles the
eagle's motion of flight.
The dance is also a prayer
for more eagles. Each dancer
is pressured to imitate
every step and cry of the
eagle to absolute
perfection. Eagles are
honored guests among the
Hopis and they are given
gifts just as the Hopi
children are. At midsummer,
they are ceremonially
smothered and plucked of all
their plumage. Although
Third Mesa portrays their
Eagle Kachina with an all
black body, Second Mesa's
Eagle Kachina has a yellow
and red body. Birds in
general, have always played
an important role in the
Hopi ceremonies and
tradition. |
| Earth God or Skeleton |
Masau?u |
Masau?u or Earth God
(Skeleton) Kachina is the
only kachina that does not
go home after the final
ceremony (Niman Ceremony) of
the season. He controls both
the surface of the earth and
the land of the Underworld.
On earth, he gives the Hopi
their land, their honor, and
blesses them on their
travels. In the Underworld,
he controls the passage of
the dead and the movements
of the kachinas emerging
from the Underworld into the
world of the living. He does
many things in reverse
because the world of the
dead is the reverse of this
world. He may come down a
ladder backwards, or perform
other actions in reverse.
Occasionally, he may appear
as a pair and start behaving
wildly. They would sing
loudly, beat on the kiva
hatchways with willow
switches, and dance around
the fires of the cooking
pits. Sometimes they would
even walk through the fires. |
| Fire God |
Shulawitsi |
The Shulawitsi or Fire God
is mostly seen portrayed by
a boy. He looks after the
Sun and fire. Shulawitsi is
not a hunter, although he is
sometimes carrying a bow and
arrow. He knows how to hunt
and all about the animals,
but does not practice
hunting. He is sometimes
also seen carrying his game
(rabbit,deer, etc.) over his
shoulder. The Shulawitsi is
very close in appearance to
the Kokosori, but they are
not the same. He is usually
seen in the Mixed Dance with
Zuni Kachinas. |
| Fish |
Pakiokwik |
The Pakiokwik or Fish
Kachina is a mysterious
Kachina because very little
is known of this Kachina,
except for the belief that
it is a very old one from
First Mesa. The total lack
of fish on the Hopi mesas
would lead one to believe
that it originates in one of
the pueblos along the Rio
Grande. |
| Fly |
Sohonasomtaka |
The Fly or Sohonasomtaka
Kachina can be a Chief,
Guard, or Hunter depending
on the ceremony. He may also
appear as a warrior who
punishes the clowns when
they get out of hand during
the ceremonies. Insects and
animals offer advice and
teach life to the Hopi
people. As a guard he would
protect and keep ceremonies
from outsider intrusions. |
| Frog |
Paqua or Pauataga |
The Frog or Paqua (Pauataga)
is a rarely seen Kachina.
Its purpose is to bring rain
and more Frogs. When he is
making noises, he is calling
out for rain. The Frog
Kachina and other reptile
Kachinas are a very
important part of the Hopi
way as all animals are an
important part of the Hopi
culture, they are believed
to provide guidance, health,
and protection. This Kachina
is a new addition to the
Hopi Kachinas. No one knows
for sure where it came from,
it is probably a Water clan
Kachina, although he is
believed to be a
coming-to-the -clowns
Kachina, and appears in
dances like the Pig and
Mouse Kachina. |
| Germination God |
Ahola |
The Ahola or Germination God
plays a major role in the
Hopi culture. He controls
the growth and reproduction
of all things. He is the
oldest of the Kachina Clan.
He is an important chief
Kachina for both First and
Second Mesa, because he
opens the Powamu ceremony
with a kiva performance on
the first night. He is the
Solstice or Return Kachina,
as well as the Sun Kachina.
Most Hopi women would place
seeds of corn at the door of
the kiva before the Ahola
appears so that his presence
blesses the seeds to be
reproductive. He visits each
of the kivas to offer
strength for the up coming
year. At the end of the
ceremony, Ahola descends to
a shrine where he bows four
times to the Sun and asks
for long life, good health,
happiness, and good crops
for his children. |
| Giant |
Chaveyo |
The
Chaveyo or Giant Kachina is
a threatening kachina who
appears at anytime in the
spring to punish or
discipline, whenever the
youngsters are bad. If any
Hopi person fails to meet
what is required of him in
work or breaks the rules of
conduct for a village,
Chaveyo will let them know
about it and punish them for
it. He is represented in
almost every village, and is
usually seen in the Powamu
or Water Serpent Dance, and
often seen with the Soyoko
(Ogre's) of First Mesa
assisting them in their
role. The Giant Kachina is a
favorite of kachina carvers.
Interestingly enough, the
most often stance carved of
this kachina is when he is
lifting the hair out of eyes
so that he can see who is
bedeviling him. |
| Grandfather |
Tasap Yeibichai |
Tasap
Yeibichai is the grandfather
of the Navajo Kachina, and
is one of the more enjoyable
features of the Navajo
Kachina Dance. He does not
speak; instead he acts out
?in a comical way? whatever
he wants. He starts the
dance, acting as a leader in
both the singing and the
dancing. His dance step is a
sort of Lively exaggeration,
with the occasional pause
for comic relief, such as a
request for food ? mountains
of food. All of his acts are
done in pantomimes that make
the audience laugh. |
| Grand Mother |
Hahai-I Wuhti |
The Hahai-I
Wuhti or Grand Mother
Kachina is a also known as
the Pour Water Woman or
Mother Earth. Like the Crow
Mother Kachina, the Hahaii
Wuhti is also known as the
mother of all Kachinas.
Although the role of mother
has separate associations,
she still is in many
important ceremonies like
the Hopi Shalako, the Water
Serpent, the Soyoko and the
Powamu. Her personality is
as colorful as a sprightly
Hopi grandmother. Some Hopis
say that she is Eototo's
wife and plays a supporting
role in his presence. Some
also say that she is the
dominating and demanding
mother to the Nataska
Kachinas. In that role, she
is the wife of the Chaveyo
Kachina, and would be very
threatening if her hunger
for meat is not fulfilled.
On Third Mesa, she plays
another role. She offers the
children somiviki, a Hopi
food, and then would pour
water over their head as a
blessing. In addition to
being the mother of monsters
and Kachinas, she is also
known as the mother of dogs.
Her doll is often given as
the first gifts to babies
and as a symbol to captive
eagles. |
| Great Horned
Owl |
Mongwa or
Mongwu |
The Great
Horned Owl or Mongwa
(sometimes spelled Mongwu)
is a very popular Kachina
carving. The creativity of
some carvers in making the
head of the Great Horned Owl
is always interesting. This
owl is a popular Kachina
among carvers because of the
many possibilities of
carving it. The Mongwa
Kachina is famous for his
disciplinary battles with
the clowns. Whenever the
clowns' behavior becomes too
outrageous, they are
disciplined by him. To keep
their outrageous antics from
interrupting the ceremony,
the owl supervises the
clowns during many of the
ceremonies. Mongwa would
usually watch the clowns
with a heavy, disapproving
stare. When a clown does get
out of order, he would leap
upon the clown, catch him,
douse him with water, and
beat him with his yucca
blades. It is a ritual that
this event takes place
during the ceremony.
|
| Guard |
Heoto |
The Heoto Kachina is in a
category of Kachinas that
can either be considered as
warriors, or guards.
Individually, the Heoto may
function as a policeman.
Over the years many of these
functions have been lost. Heoto appears in the
Kiva Dances, Powamu, Soyohim,
and Plaza Dances. He
has some relation to the Chawaina Kachina.
He may have originated from
Zuni. In the Bean
Dance Parade and during
Initiation years at the
Pachavu Ceremony, he
functions a guard.
|
| Guard Woman |
Heoto Mana |
The Heoto Mana Kachina is in
a category of Kachinas that
can either be considered as
warriors, or gaurds.
Individually, the Heoto mana
may function as a
policewoman. Over the years,
many of these original
functions have been lost.
The Heoto Mana, and the
Heoto may have both come
from the Zuni tribe. The
Heoto Mana appears
everywhere with Heoto and
dances on all three mesas.
Her function is similar to
that of He-e-e, the Warrior
Maiden Kachina. She also
acts as a guard in some
places. |
| Hair Cutter |
Hemsona |
The Hemsona or Hair Cutter
is a runner kachina.
Whenever he beats a
challenger in a race, he
would grab him, hold him to
the ground and cut off a
knot of his hair. Therefore,
he races with a pair of
shears or scissors or a
knife in his hand. Another
legend states that he used
to be a killer hired by the
Walpi Indians to murder the
son of the Sikyatki (the
chief?s son) during a race.
The Hemsona cut the chief?s
son?s throat when he caught
him. From then on, the
Hemsona is hampered in
future races, because he is
handicapped with a mask and
a heavier costume. This
would hopefully prevent him
from winning more races.
Hemsona kachina can be seen
on all three mesas. |
| Horse |
Kawai-i |
The Horse or Kawai-i Kachina
got its name from the
Spanish word for horse,
caballo. This is not an old
Kachina. It was introduced
in the early 1900?s. Kawai-i
appears in the Soyohim
Ceremony, the Mixed Kachina
Dances, the Bean Dance, and
the Kiva Dances. The horse
Kachina is seen far less
today, than a few years ago. |
| Tewa Girl |
Hano Mana |
Hano Mana or Tewa Girl is
given to the girls of Tewa
similar to the way the Hahai
I is given to the Hopi girls
by the men of their
villages. She appears in the
Bean Dance on the Second
Mesa and in the Water
Serpent Ceremony on the
First Mesa. Usually, she
wears a maiden shawl and has
her hair put up in Tewa-style
knot. The doll is a favorite
for the first or second gift
for the children. |
| Hornet |
Tatangaya |
The Hornet or Tatangaya
Kachina is a colorful
Kachina giving the
presumption that the doll is
of Zuni origin, and was
adopted into the Hopi
culture. Insects and
reptiles are an important
part of Hopi traditions.
There are two different
types of Hornet Kachinas;
one is seen in First Mesa,
while the other which is
completely different in
appearance is seen in all
the other Mesas. |
| Hummingbird |
Tocha |
The Tocha or Hummingbird
Kachina is a frequently made
kachina. It appears during
Kiva Dances in the winter,
and during the Soyohim
Dances in the spring. When
it enters a kiva, it usually
dances by bobbing its head
and making calls like the
humming bird. Then, it moves
rapidly around the kiva like
a hummingbird would. During
a dance, when it catches an
individual, it whips him or
her with yucca leaves. This
kachina often appears as a
runner because it is fast. |
| Hump-Backed
Flute Player |
Kokopelli |
The Kokopelli
or Hump-Backed Flute Player
Kachina is probably the most
popular kachina a of all.
His images are found
everywhere in the southwest.
The Kokopelli is thought of
as a Flute Player, but only
when he borrows a flute to
dance. Kokopelli is believed
to be a seducer of women,
and a bringer of babies. He
only appears in the Mixed
Kachina Dances and sometimes
he appears in the Night
Dance. |
| Left Handed |
Siyangephoya |
The Left Handed or
Siyangephoya Kachina is
known as the only Kachina
with all his gear reversed.
He is also known as an
excellent hunter. Some say
he originated from the
Hualapai Indians, others say
that he came from the
Chemehuevi. The Left Handed
appears in the Mixed Dance,
and the Powamu Ceremony.
Sometimes he acts as a
prompter, and sometimes he
dances by making strange
bobbing-mincing steps at the
edge of the procession. |
| Lizard |
Monongya |
The Monongya or Lizard
Kachina is one of the
warrior kachinas. It helps
make sure that the Hopi
clown does not go too far or
get out of hand. He would be
involved in punishing or
chastising the clowns. The
Monongya represents a
particular species of lizard
called the Crotophytus. That
particular species is chosen
because it is very fast, and
it is represented using the
bright color of turqoise.
The Lizard Kachina appears
in the Mixed Dance and in
the Powamu Ceremony. |
| Long-Haired |
Angak'china |
The
Long-Haired or Angak'china
Kachina is one of the most
favored Kachinas among the
Hopis. They are appreciated
because of the melodious
songs and the beautiful
dances that they do in the
spring. The main purpose of
the Angak'china is to bring
rain to the people and their
crops. Their long hair,
which is worn loosely down
the back, resembles the
falling rain with the eagle
breast plumes rising like
clouds above it. These
kachinas appear in the Niman
Ceremony on First Mesa. |
| Long-Billed |
Wupamo |
The
Long-Billed Kachina or
Wupamo is a guard. He
carries whips to keep every
everyone in their proper
place. He is usually found
during the Powamu procession
circling from the sides or
swinging in from the rear.
He keeps onlookers clear of
the procession route and
controls the clown?s
boundaries. Wupamo is also
known as a healer. Those who
are suffering from any
sickness may request aid
from him by allowing him to
strike whichever body part
affected with his whip. |
| Marble Player
or Gambler |
Qoqole |
The Qoqole
Kachina (also known as the
Marble Player, or
Gambler) can be seen during
the Soyal ceremony on Third
Mesa. He is accompanied by
his mana, and is usually
seen in groups of Qoqole. He
opens the Kivas, so other
Kachinas can visit the
village. They combine
pleasure with the rituals
they perform, but are sure
to get their job done. Often
times, Qoqole is seen
shooting marbles. The thing
that separates the Qoqole
from other dolls is that, he
wears old Anglo clothing,
and can be seen in many
different colors, as the
colors represent directions. |
| Mocking |
Kwikwilyaka |
The
Mocking or Kwikwilyaka
Kachina is a clown Kachina
whose comedy niche is
mimicking anything in his
sight. He would entertain
the crowd by reflecting the
personality of anybody he
sees and would not stop
until he finds a more
interesting victim to make
fun of. He is usually seen
in the Bean Dance, and he
competes with the Ho-E
Kachina for attention from
the crowd. The Mocking
Kachina has hair made up of
cedar bark. To get rid of
the Mocking Kachina, the
Ho-E Kachinas would
sometimes light the Mocking
Kachinas cedar bark hair on
fire. |
| Mud Head |
Koyemsi |
The Koyemsi
or Mud Head is the most
popular Kachina among the
Hopi people because they
appear in all of the
ceremonies. He usually
accompanies most Kachinas
during the ceremonies, and
they come as clowns,
announcers of dances,
drummers and singers. The
Koyemsi is usually the one
who play games, like
guessing games and balancing
acts, with the children in
the audience. |
| Morning Singer |
Talavai |
The Talavai or Morning
Singer Kachina?s function
has changed over the years.
He used to appear in pairs,
stand on rooftops, and sing
at dawn to wake the
villagers; hence, the name
of Early Morning Singer
Kachina. Now, although they
still sing in pairs, they
are just seen standing on
the side of the main Powamu
procession. They will only
sing occasionally. They
usually sing while holding
their spruce trees, and
ringing their bells. The
Morning Singer wears the red
and white maiden?s robe,
which is typical of any
kachina that appears in the
early morning. |
| Mountain Lion |
Toho |
The Mountain Lion or Toho
Kachina appears at Pachavu
often accompanied by the
Deer Kachina. During this
event, Toho appears as a
guard and patrols the
procession with yucca whips.
During the Line Dance, he is
a side dancer who carries a
talavaiyi, a cane with eagle
feathers and red horsehair
fringe in his hands. Toho is
quite famous nowadays
compared to its rarity five
years ago. |
| Old Man |
Wuwuyomo |
The Wuwuyomo
or Old Man Kachinas are
called that because they are
very ancient. They may also
be known as Mong or Chief
Kachinas. They always appear
in groups of 4 during the
during the Powamu ceremony. |
| Ogre |
Nataska |
The Nataska
or Ogre Kachina is part of
the fearsome team that
accompany the Soyoko when
she terrorizes the children.
He usually comes as a pair,
standing behind the Soyoko
when she bargains for the
lives of the children. He
would stomp his feet and
drags his saw in order to
intimidate the children.
Stories states that he would
seek children and snatch
them home to eat them.
Together with his dark
clothing and broad face, the
children are very petrified
of him during the
ceremonies. The feathered
fan on his headdress is made
of turkey feathers and is
placed together to make him
look even taller. |
| Ogre Man |
Awatovi or Awatovi
Soyok?Taka |
The Awatovi or Awatovi
Soyok?Taka Or Ogre Man is
believed to originate from
the destroyed town of
Awatovi. He is seldom
impersonated. He performs
similar functions as the
Nataska, like standing
beside the Ogre Woman, and
putting food into his
basket. The food is what the
Ogre has gathered from the
villagers. During the
actions of the Ogre Woman,
he would stand by her side,
while stomping and grumbling
to scare children. Usually,
he would wear a black
breechclout rather than an
embroidered kilt. Also, his
calves and forearm are often
covered with black or red
spots. |
| Ogre Woman |
Soyoko or Soyok? Wuhti |
The Soyoko (Soyok? Wuhti) or
Ogre Woman appears during
the Powamu ceremony.
She threatens the lives of
the children who are
naughty. She carries a
blood-smeared knife and a
long jangling crook,
shouting ?Soyoko?-u-u-u?.
When she catches a naughty
child, she would hold him
for ransom. Then she
would bargain with a
relative of the child, for
the ransom. In some
villages she leads the
procession of ogres while in
others, she remains on the
side making threatening
gestures to children. |
| Paralyzed |
Tuhavi |
Tuhavi or the Paralyzed
Kachina is tale of a man who
is Paralyzed and a man who
is blind. Together they
completed each others needs.
The Tuhavi is the paralyzed
man, while normally the
blind man is the Mud Head (Koyemsi).
The Mud Head becomes the
Paralyzed Kachina?s legs,
and the Paralyzed Kachina
becomes the Mud Head?s eyes.
Together, they are able to
hunt and live. They appear
together in the Mixed Dance. |
| Parrot |
Kyash |
The Parrot or Kyash Kachina
disappeared in the early
years of its history but
reappeared again around 1965
on Second Mesa. It was given
a dance in the Water Serpent
Ceremony on First Mesa and
the Line Dance on Second
Mesa. The purpose of this
kachina is to bring summer
growth and attract more
parrots |
| Prickly Pear
Leaf |
Navuk-china |
The Navuk-china
or Prickly Pear Leaf Kachina
is an old Kachina who
appears in the Mixed dances.
The cactus that he
represents was used as food
by the Hopi in the past. He
is sometimes accompanied by
his sister Kachina Navuk-chin
Mana. He also carries a pad
of cactus on his head or on
a stick when he appears. |
| Priest
Killer |
|
No one knows
for sure exactly what the
Priest Killer story is, but
it is believed that he
appeared around the time
that the Spanish came to the
Hopi people. When the
Spaniards came they tried to
preach their religion to the
Hopi's, so the Hopi people
revolted, and started
burning churches that the
Spaniards had built and
killing any priest who would
not leave. The story can be
told slightly differently in
almost every village. |
| Quail |
Kawaspi |
The Quail or
Kawaspi Kachina was given a
second life when it was
revive in the late 1960s. It
started from a dream of a
Hopi man who performed it in
a dance, and it sparked
renewed interest in the
doll. Although many
varieties have been made
since then, they still stick
to the original style and
form, which still exist in
an Eastern museum. Animals
are teachers, advisors, and
doctors to the Hopi people. |
| Red Bearded |
Tawa Angak'china |
The Red
Bearded or Tawa Angak'china
Kachina is one of the most
favored Kachinas among the
Hopis. They are appreciated
because of the melodious
songs and the beautiful
dances that they do in the
spring. The main purpose of
the Angak'china is to bring
rain to the people and their
crops. Their long hair,
which is worn loosely down
the back, resembles the
falling rain with the eagle
breast plumes rising like
clouds above it. These
kachinas appear in the Niman
Ceremony on First Mesa |
| Red Skirt
Runner |
Palavikuna |
The
Palavikuna Kachina is also
known as the Red Skirt
Runner. He carries yucca
whips, as do most of the
runner Kachinas, and he also
offer piki bread as a reward
to those who beat him in a
race. |
| Red-Tailed Hawk |
Palkwayo |
The Red-Tailed Hawk or
Palkwayo is both a warrior
and a hunter. He is a Chief
Kachina, which appears in
the Pachavu ceremony on
second and Third Mesas. Over
time he has amost
disappeared in some
villages. On Third Mesa he
is one of the more important
Kachinas. In the Pachavu at
Oraibi, he gathers with
He-e-e amongst a group of
Kahcinas for her procession
into the village. |
| Road Runner |
Hospoa |
The Hospoa or Road Runner
Kachina appears usually in
the Mixed Dance or Kiva
Dance. The kachina is often
used to solicit rain, to
guard against witchcraft,
and to attract more road
runners . Road runners are
desired because their
feathers are used to make
certain kind of prayer
plumes. |
| Scavenger |
|
The
Scavenger is a rare figure
that depicts a looter from
the ruins of Awatowi. After
the war in Awatowi, the
scavenger would go around
picking up any worthy things
left behind. Presently, the
scavenger accompanies the
Ogre Woman during the
ceremonies. After the Ogre
woman receives all the
things she wanted, the
scavenger would pick up
everything else that would
not fit in the Ogre Woman's
basket. He is considered by
some to be a part of the
Ogre family. |
| Screech Owl |
Hotsko |
The Screech Owl or Hotsko is
one of the many birds that
participate in the Kiva
Dances of the Powamu. But
the Hotsko only appears on
First Mesa because he is
rarely seen on Second and
Third Mesa. He is a hunter
who has evolved, according
to stories, from a hunter of
wild animals to a hunter who
threatens the domestic barn
animals of farmers. This Owl
and animals in general, are
very important to the Hopi
people. Animals are
teachers, advisors, and
doctors. |
| Snake Dancer |
Chusona |
The Snake Dancer or Chusona
is not a kachina but rather
a society personage. It has
always had an intense
fascination for the non-Hopi
and therefore, its effigies
had been carved for many
years. It is a sacred
Kachina which is rarely
carved. |
| Snipe |
Patszro |
The Snipe or
Patszro Kachina appears in
the Kiva Dances before and
after the important Powamu
ceremony. His function is
about the same as all other
bird Kachinas that appear
around this time. Animals
are teachers, advisors, and
doctors to the Hopi people. |
| Squash |
Patung |
A favorite to many
collectors, the Patung or
Squash Kachina is a runner
from First Mesa but is
originally Zuni. He is a
Chief Kachina in the
Pumpking Clan. Carvers make
many version of this doll
and most still follow the
basic form of him holding a
flower in his right hand and
a yucca whip in his left. |
| Sun |
Tawa or Dawa |
The spirit of
the Sun lies in the Sun or
Tawa (Dawa) Kachina. The Sun
Kachina usually carries a
spruce tree in his left hand
and a bell in his right.
When he appears in the Mixed
Dance he caries a flute in
his left hand, and is rarely
impersonated. The Sun
Kachina has many different
stories relating to his
relationship with people,
animals, and monsters.
Strikingly, the Sun Kachina
does not appear in the major
ceremonies. |
| Turkey |
Koyona |
The Koyona or Turkey Kachina
dances with the other birds
in the kivas at night or
during the Mixed Dances of
spring. He is from First
Mesa and is a very rare.
Birds or animals in general,
are very important in the
Hopi culture. Animals are
advisors, healers, and
hunters to the Hopi people.
The Hopi have learned a lot
from animals. |
| Turtle Maiden or Woman |
Kahaila Kachina Mana |
The Turtle Maiden or Kahaila
Kachina Mana is accompanied
by Kahaila during the
ceremonies. This maiden,
like others, is simply a
Kachin Mana, but because it
accompanies Kahaila, it also
picks up his name. Also, the
face of the Mana is painted
differently. The Kahaila
Kachin Mana is usually
impersonated by a male. The
Turtle Maiden is very rarely
carved into a Kachina. All
animals and mammals are an
important part of the Hopi
culture, they are believed
to provide guidance, health,
and protection. |
| Velvet Shirt |
Navan |
The Navan or Velvet Shirt
Kachina is a new Kachina. It
was introduced in the 1900?s
to the Hopi culture. He is
believed to have come from
the village of Moenkopi.
Navan usually appears in the
Kiva Dances. He is seen
wearing ribbons and bright
colors. He is a very
colorful Kachina. The name
Velvet Shirt comes from the
shirt he is seen wearing. |
| Water
Drinking Girl |
Palhik Mana |
Palhik Mana
or Water Drinking Girl is
often seen grinding corn,
while sometimes she is seen
with colorful plants and
birds. She brings rain
creating life, whether it is
corn or animals, and is
thought very highly of to
the Hopi. The Palhik Mana is
often mistaken for the Poli
Mana and the Salako Mana.
The Palhik Mana's functions
are very similar to both the
Poli Mana and the Salako
Mana. It is one of the most
deceptive dolls. Like the
Poli Mana she is the dancing
partner of the Poli Kachina
in Third Mesa. Also, like
the Salako Mana she either
is the dancing partner of
the Salako Taka or the
corn-grinding maid during
the Puppet Dances. Some
people believe that the
Salako Mana and the Poli
Mana are the same. Palhik
Mana is impersonated by both
men and women during the
dances depending on what
mesa they are being
portrayed. |
| Warrior |
Ahote |
The Ahote is
a hunter that originates
from the Plains Indians, but
has been adopted into the
Hopi culture. He comes in
two colors; yellow or blue.
His long and trailing
eagle?s feather headdress
resembles a Plains Indian
warrior. The colorful
triangular patch with
pendant colored circles
between the eyes, represent
the flowers of spring. Ahote
appears in the Mixed Dance
and the Plaza Dance.
Sometimes, he carries a
roast or boiled corn to give
to the audience during his
performance. |
| Warrior Mouse |
|
The Warrior
Mouse Kachina is a central
figure in Hopi folktale. He
is not a dance figure at all
, but rather the hero of a
Second Mesa legend. A mouse
undertook to rid the village
of a pesky chicken hawk. He
did that by taunting the
hawk and tricking him to
dive into a stake and impale
himself. The Warrior Mouse,
as he is called, is not to
be confused with the any
other folktale mice. The
mouse and other animals have
always played an important
role in the Hopi ceremonies
and tradition. Hopi's
believe that through
animals, one can learn many
things about life. |
| Warrior Woman |
He?e?e or He Wuhti |
The Warrior Woman (Maiden)
or He?e?e (He Wuhti) can
either be a man dressed as a
woman or a woman using men?s
equipment depending where
you hear the story. For the
story of the man, the story
states that he did not have
enough time to find his
clothes when the enemies
approached, so he had to
wear his bride?s costume to
quickly fight them. As for
the woman, they say that she
was just finishing doing her
hair with her mother when
she saw the enemies
approaching. With only one
side of her hair complete,
she snatched up her bow and
arrow, and proceeded to
defend her village until the
men returned from the field.
Despite the differences in
stories, the He Wuhti
function as a warrior spirit
that leads a band of warrior
kachinas to protect the
procession of the Pachavu
ceremony. |
| Whipper |
Hu or Tungwup |
The Hu Kachina (Tungwup)
Whipper Kachina appears
noisily during the Bean
Dance in order to help the
Crow Mother initiate the
children. He usually appears
in pairs, and they would
initiate each child with
four solid blows with the
yucca whip given by the Crow
Mother. This is a gesture of
purification or intiation
into a Kachina Clan. Then,
they dismiss each child with
prayer feathers and
cornmeal. When the ceremony
is completed, they whip each
other first, and then, they
whip the Crow Mother before
disappearing from the kiva
as noisily as they entered. |
| Whipper's
Uncle |
Tungwup Ta-amu |
The Tungwup
Ta-amu Kachina or Whipper's
Uncle Kachina does not
appear with the Hu or other
Tungwup Kachinas. He is
usually seen guarding the
Bean Dance Parade. His main
function is to be a guard at
ceremonies. The Whippers
Uncle is unlike the other
Whipper Kachinas, in that he
is never whipping or
punishing children, nor is
involved in the initiation
process. Most people would
confuse the Whipper and
Tungwup Kachinas, in that
they are very similar in
appearance, yet their
functions are slightly
different. Whipper Kachinas
are often carved slightly
different depending on which
village the carver comes
from. |
| White Buffalo
Dancer |
Kocha Mosairu |
The White
Buffalo Dancer or Kocha
Mosairu is not a Kachina,
but rather a social dancer.
It is usually seen in
ceremonies in January on
First Mesa. It is a doll
that most carvers do not
mind doing as part of their
repertoire. His popularity
began from the works of
Alvin James Makya who made
one of the first dolls. It
is now a favorite among
collectors. All animals are
an important part of the
Hopi culture, they are
believed to provide
guidance, health, and
protection. |
| White Chin |
Tuma-uyi |
Tuma-uyi or White Chin
Kachina is amongst the
oldest known Hopi Kachinas
around today. The word
Tuma-uyi means White Chin.
He got that name because he
has a very colorful face,
but his chin is painted
white. This Kachina?s main
function is unknown. He is
now rarely seen in
ceremonies. |
| Witch or Guard |
Hilili |
The origin of Hilili is
believed to be from the Zuni
Tribe. In the Acoma and
Laguna pueblos he is known
as Heleleka. His name comes
from the call or noise that
he makes. When he first came
to the Hopi , people were
very suspicious of him.
Hilili was known as Powak or
the Witch Kachina. Now, he
is a Guard Kachina, who is
mainly seen holding Yucca
whips. He has become a
popular guard at the
ceremonies due to his
dancing style. He can bee
seen in the Powamu and Night
dances. |
| Wolf |
Kweo |
The Kweo or Wolf kachina is
often seen in dances
accompanied by the Deer
kachina or Mountain Sheep
kachina during the Soyohim
Dances. He carries a stick
that represents the trees
and bushes that he uses to
hide in whenever he stalks
his prey. During ceremonies
the Wolf Kachina?s sharp
teeth are always visible
along with its lolling
tongue. They are made
visible to boast the wolf?s
prowess as a hunter. When he
appears in the dance with
the Deer or Mountain Sheep,
they are always wary of him
because of their natural
relationship as hunter and
prey. After the dance, it is
customary for the Hopis to
offer the Kweo Kachina
cornmeal, and in return, the
Kweo Kachina blesses them on
their hunt. |
| Yellow Corn
Maiden or Woman |
Takursh Mana |
The Takursh
Mana or Yellow Corn Maiden
appears with Angak'china,
Ma'alo, Pawik and other
Kachinas. They dance in a
line separate from the other
line Kachinas, but following
the same pattern of turns
and gestures. The Takursh
Mana does make one different
move. She kneels and places
a large gourd on the ground
to rasp. She usually carries
a scapula and a notched
stick, which produce a sound
with different tones like a
music instrument. |
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