Katsina of Patang (Squash)
ClassificationsSculpture
Culture
Hopi
Datec. 1940
Made AtArizona, United States, North America
MediumCottonwood root and pigment
Dimensions2 1/2 × 1 × 5/8 in. (6.4 × 2.5 × 1.6 cm)
Credit LineGift of John J. Hawkins
Object number88.7.5
DescriptionSquash as well as a variety of gourds and pumpkins were staple crops for the Hopi. The Squash katsina reinforced the significance of this important crop. It is represented with green body paint with black lines and a large gourd shaped mask. The Squash katsina is one of a group of “runners.” These katsina spirits appear during Spring ceremonies and challenge Hopi men to foot races. If the men win they are given gifts. If the katsina wins the men are punished. It is a traditional way for the katsinam to encourage the people to be good runners.On View
Not on viewCollections
Hopi
