May is the beginning of the end of Katsina season. Specifically May, is Hakitonmuya (the waiting period), the period for planting beans, squash, and melons outside and waiting for warmer weather to plant the corn outdoors. This is the period of waiting for warmer weather.
The ceremonies and activities for this season include Hopi people of all ages; the only ones without duties are the elderly and small children. During this time, the men fulfill their duties by tending crops and livestock and performing ceremonial duties and the women spend a great deal of time grinding the corn that was stored last season and creating meals.
An ideal Katsina doll for Hakitonmuya is Kokopelli. The Humpback Flute Player (Kokopelli) is an engaging image that originated in ancient Paleo-American culture and was brought into the present by the Pueblo Indians. This classic figure of a bent over being playing a flute has been associated with shamanism and supernatural qualities. Kokopelli is a magical being who, by playing his flute, calls the clouds to make rain. Today, the Hopi play flutes over the springs to attract rain. Kokopelli is also a symbol for fertility because he carries seeds and mist in his hump. He is mischievous when it comes to seducing young maidens! The Navajo counterpart to Kokopelli is the Humpback God who wears mountain sheep horns. His hump, which has eagle feathers radiating from it, contains seeds and mist. He carries a wand and is called the “God of Mist,” “God of Plenty,” or the “God of the Harvest.” He is usually portrayed with an image of corn. It is interesting to note that the hump, an abnormality or deformity, is considered special, even magical and transformative like fantastic creatures such as unicorns, griffins, etc. Shamans are often deformed or have narrowly escaped physical death.
“He would visit villages playing his flute, carrying his songs on his back. Everyone would sing and dance the night away. In the morning, when he left, the crops were plentiful and all the women were pregnant.” (Read More)
