Great Horned Owl Katsina Doll

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Von Monogyna´s Great Horned Owl Katsina Doll (Mongwa) is the master carver´s representation of the Katsina spirit Mongwa. Monogyna crafted the Katsina in 1980 out of cottonwood root. Cottonwood root is the traditional material for Katsina dolls because it was once abundant in the Hopi´s homeland, modern day Arizona. Katsina dolls are religious icons that were traditionally created to teach children, especially young girls about the Katsina Spirits (Hopi Cultural Preservation Office). The Mongwa Katsina was not created for this purpose as evidenced his inclusion of a base in his carving. The inclusion of a base is characteristic of Katsina dolls meant to be displayed standing rather than as wall hangings like traditional iderations of Katsina. Although Monogyna Katsina is not meant for religious use the symbolism imparted to the icon remains. Mongwa is a Katsina spirit, during ceremonies a Hopi man dresses as Mongwa and partakes in religious dances. The spirit holds a yucca blade in Monogyna´s carving, a perfect weapon for the discipline of Katsina Clowns, Mongwa´s main role in ceremony (Silvertribe). …show more content…

The Katsina´s carved beak and fur and feather covered face make him immediately identifiable as a Great Horned Owl, the spirit Mongwa. Mongwa´s body is that of a man, with a bare torso and strong legs partially raised in dance. His upper arms, thighs and chest are painted with white circles, which represent the kaolin clay body paint that the Hopi Katsina cult outfitted themselves in during ceremonies. His teal upper arm bands are held by a leather tie, this is how the Hopi secured yarn or cotton armbands on to themselves during ceremony. Mongwa´s wristbands similarly are meant to mimic the silver and turquoise wristbands that modern Hopi wear during Katsina

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