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Native Americans have carved and used fetishes throughout history. Fetishes are small carvings, usually of animals or human forms, believed to hold magical powers that can protect their owner or creator from harm to the spirit and body, assist…
Continue readingTalangva is a type of beginning and an end. During this season there is much song and dance that concludes with the Niman ceremony. Niman is a sixteen-day ceremony that is also known as the Home Going ceremony. It…
Continue readingMudhead Katsinam get their name from their characteristically round and mud-covered masks. They are also known by their Zuni name, Koyemsi. According to ancient Zuni lore, the Mudhead is neither a man nor a Katsina. Owing to disgraceful…
Continue readingThe Sunface Katsina, known as Tawa, represents many things including the sun’s warmth, hope of shelter for the elderly, and a bright future full of playfulness for the young. The sun is also essential for the growth of crops. The…
Continue readingNative American cultures treat elders with a great deal of respect. Those who have lived longer are looked on as wise souls and indispensable communicators of tribal traditions and customs. For the Hopi, the Grandmother Katsina is among the…
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