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Hopi Pueblo Seated Koyemsi - Mudhead Katsina Doll with Drum - C4048Q
There are several Mudheads, differing slightly in appearance and conduct, maybe as many as 10 or so. All wear knobbed masks of cotton cloth, stained with the same pink clay that is used on their bodies. The knobs of the masks are filled with cotton balls and seeds. Wrapped around the base of the mask is a scarf. They dress solely in black cloth kilts.
At Hopi, he is a curer, magician, dance director, warrior, messenger, sage or even a fool. He also may appear in the guise of any katsina by donning the clothing of that katsina. The Koyemsi appear as interlocutors between katsinas and humans. They serve religious and secular functions. They function as chiefs and as clowns at various times. They are probably the most popular and recognized of all masked dancers. They appear in almost every ceremony as clowns, drummers, announcers of dances, and many other roles.
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