Original Painting of The Paaloloqangw Ceremonial at Hopi [SOLD]

This painting depicts a Hopi ceremony that takes place in a kiva utilizing a screen from which serpent puppets emerge. This Hopi ceremonial begins with the sowing of beans and maize on an evening and does not become complete until 16 days later. During the first 10 days, the nights are spent in the kiva in preparation for the coming performance. The ceremony centers on fertility and is timed to occur before spring planting of crops.

When the ceremony is ready to be performed, the puppet group takes their place behind the screen where they will not be seen. On the top of the screen, sandpipers, mounted on wheels, are made to dart forward and back, and, suddenly from hidden openings in the screen, serpent heads protrude and begin to squirm and writhe. The miniature corn plants that have been germinated in the kiva have been set in front of the screen to simulate a corn field.

Gradually, the serpents emerge to full length with a powerful, trembling motion by which they are said to signify embracing and dancing. It is at this point that Hahaii’i Wuhti, mother of all Katsinas, holds forth a plaque full of sacred cornmeal into which each serpent dips its head as if eating. The Mudhead Katsinas wrestle and play with the serpents and ride them like horses. The serpents writhe until they topple the corn plants, an event that is meant to simulate planting of the fields. When this is done, the serpents withdraw into the screen and the ceremony is concluded.

The day following the puppet ceremonial is spent in feasting and performing Katsina dances and on elaborate clowning in the plaza.

Information Source: Children of Cottonwood: Piety and Ceremonialism in Hopi Indian Puppetry, by Armin W. Geertz and Michael Lamatuway’ma, University of Nebraska Press, Lincoln. 1987. (A copy of this hardback book will be provided with the purchase of this painting).