Hopi Cottonwood Root Heotomana Katsina Doll [SOLD]

Heotomana is the sister of Heoto and appears in all of the performances that he does.  Her function is very similar to that of Hé-é-e, the Warrior Maiden.  According to Wright, this Katsina (Hé-é-e) is based on the story of a young girl.  "Many years ago, tradition says that some Hopis were living outside of the main village, and the mother of this household was putting up her daughter's hair.  The mother had finished only one side of the hair whorls, the hair on the other side still hanging loosely, when they saw enemies sneaking toward the village.  The daughter snatched up a bow, quiver and arrows from the wall and raced toward the village to warn the people.  She then led the defense until the men in the fields could return and rout the enemy.  She has been personated ever since as a kachina."

During the Pachavu procession Heotomana assumes the task of guard.  It is she who gives the signal that drives everyone indoors when certain ceremonies must be performed out in the open.  She, too, leads the horde of hooting, jangling, threatening, Katsinas along the line of procession into the village.  Both Hé-é-e and Heotomana appear during Pachavu.

Condition: The carving is in wonderful condition.  There is some abrasion of the pigments but nothing is broken or repaired on the carving.

Reference:  Kachinas: A Hopi Artist's Documentary by Barton Wright