Description |
3-dimensional carving of a Hopi woman who belongs to the Maraw Society, the most important of three women's society among the Hopi, all of which conduct major ceremonies in the autumn, after the katsina season, to insure adequate rainfall, the ripening of the corn, and the fertility of women, among other things; Figure is shown standing and holding pair of flat prayer sticks (marauvaho); Unmasked figure is dressed in carved and painted traditional woven black dress with sash belt at waist and a woven white manta with embroidered border around her shoulders; Her hair is braided; In each of her stylized upraised arms she holds a flat, wooden dance wand painted with a corn and a cloud symbol; Arms are carved separately (right arm is 2 pieces) and are nailed to body; Figure's truncated legs are mounted on flat board that is painted black. |