Katsina of Shalako Mana
ClassificationsSculpture
Culture
Hopi
Date1870-1880
Made AtArizona, United States, North America
MediumCottonwood root, pigment and cotton thread
Dimensions12 1/2 × 8 1/4 × 2 5/8 in. (31.8 × 21 × 6.7 cm)
Credit LineBowers Museum Foundation Purchase with a matching grant from Rockwell International Orange County Facilities
Object numberF79.35.1
DescriptionThis is a 19th century Hopi Katsina figure made of Cottonwood root, pigment and cotton thread. Katsinam embodied the animistic spirits of the Hopi. The specific being represented here is the Shalako Mana, the female companion to the Shalako Taka Katsina. The pair would originally have danced at a ceremony that occurred every twenty to thirty years. The signature headdress worn by this Katsina is in a tablita style, with the stepped crown representing clouds. The Shalako, or Salako, ceremony rarely occurs at Hopi. It features both a male and female katsina. The Shalako Mana is the female version of the katsina and is represented with white garments and a white mask with painting on the chin. The most recognizable feature is a large tablita style headdress.On View
Not on view
Hopi