Hopi Pueblo Jemez/Hemis Mana Kachina Doll By ARB

ca. 1993

17.5" H

Hand Carved from Cottonwood Root with Great Carved Detail

In Very Good Condition 

Hemis Mana (or Hemis Kachin Mana), the maiden or female aspect associated with the Hemis Katsina. The Hemis (also called Jemez Kachina due to its origins or borrowing from Jemez Pueblo in New Mexico) is one of the most iconic and beautiful in Hopi tradition. It appears prominently in the Niman (Home Dance or "Going Home") ceremony in late July or early August. This marks the end of the kachina season, when the spirits depart the Hopi mesas for their winter home in the San Francisco Peaks, bringing rain, fertility, abundant crops, and a sense of accomplishment after the growing season.

The Hemis Mana typically kneels or sits in a traditional pose, often holding a wooden rasp (for making thunder-like sounds) and a gourd or other ritual item between her knees to produce ceremonial percussion. She accompanies the male Hemis katsinas, who wear elaborate tablita headdresses painted with symbols of clouds, rain, corn, sun, villages, and fertility (like phallic motifs for abundance).

Due to the fragile nature of kachina dolls, we do not guarantee they will not break during shipping. We do our best to pack them well, but due to their fragile nature and even with the best packing, small pieces can break. If you are purchasing kachina dolls, please keep this in mind.