Native American Made Rattle Racer Katsina Doll

The Rattle Katsina (Aya) is rarely carved. His name is derived from his mask, which resembles a Hopi rattle given to children at the Powamuya or Niman ceremonies. Aya is a name for the Hopi dance rattles. These Katsinam come to ceremonies in pairs but race one at a time. Some Aya Katsinam carry yucca whips to swat the loser of each race. The Aya wears a mask with painted designs on each side. The cross represents the four directions. The mask is marked by a black design that looks like stitches. These stitches represent the Milky Way Galaxy, or where we are in the universe. This is a wonderful piece that is created in a style that is unusual today. Very few of the artists make the Native American dolls this way. The action on this piece is wonderful and the carving, painting, and details are very accurate.