Mucias Mana (Buffalo Maiden) Katsina Doll [SOLD]

This katsina may also be referred to as Mosairu Mana. It is most often called the Buffalo Maiden. She accompanies the Buffalo Katsinam at dances in which those katsinam appear.

The tablet on her back is a sun symbol surrounded by eagle tail feathers. She will carry prayer sticks with feathers in both hands. On her head is a squash blossom and a group of feathers with black and white twisted yarn draping down behind her head.  Her eyes are covered with her bangs in the same manner as is done with the social dancers.   

Katsinas, having lives, like other Hopi, may have manas, such as wives, mothers, and sisters, who accompany them. She appears only at First and Third Mesas and does not appear at Second Mesa.

This carving is typical of the pre-World War II period carvings. The arms are attached to the torso in the manner of the period of the 1930s and early 1940s. The legs are short, extending from the center of the flared skirt.  The doll stands unassisted and there is also a string should one wish to hang it on a wall.

Condition: The carving is in extraordinary condition.

Provenance: from the collection of a family from Oregon

Recommended Reading:  Kachinas: a Hopi Artist’s Documentary by Barton Wright and Cliff Bahnimptewa.