For about six months each year, spirits called katsinas come to live with the Hopi on their mesa tops. Each figure is identified by its own individual character, costume, song, or dance.
(Photo by Hayley Pontia)
Spirits called katsinas
katsina
Prickly Pear Katsina
This Katsina was made by members of the Hopi tribe. Katsina dolls are representations of benevolent spirits.
This doll is wearing the fruit and leaves of the prickly pear cactus, an edible wild plant, on its head.
Hopi Katsina doll
This Hopi Katsina doll was collected in 1900 and is called Whipper. Katsina dolls are representations of benevolent spirits.
