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K861 Snow Maiden Kachina~~Flat Doll, Artist: Kevin Sekakurv, size 2"Wx3"Hx1/8"D. Traditional, flat carvings are dolls in the traditional sense, given to baby girls when they're born. But even the more finely carved pieces, made theoretically by the Katsinas themselves, are presented to Hopi visitors at Katsina dances. Magnificent carvings have even been known to pass to the hands of outsiders or “Pahanas”—but only if those individuals have proven themselves worthy. Snow Maiden (Qotsa Mana or Nuvak'chin Mana) is most often seen accompanying Hemis during the Home Dance (Niman) Ceremony. She represents the snow and is one of the rasping Katsinam as well. Her presence is a prayer for the coming cold weather, for snow to fall over the winter so that in the springtime there will be moisture in the land for planting.
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