Crow Mother Hopi Kachina by Alton Honahni - 1K15G

Every four years children between the ages of six and ten are initiated into the group of kachinas. The rite of passage takes place during the Puwamu celebration in one of the kivas. Three kachina participate- the Crow Mother and her two sons Black Tungwüp and the Blue Tungwüp The Crow Mother is the leader of the whipping kachina and her garb is described in detail according to the Hopi tradition. She wears a dark dress, and a white plaited sash with a long fringe that is knotted on one side. Her shoulders are covered with what would have been a hand-woven shaw complete with brightly covered embroidery. Sometimes Tümas carries a sheaf of long yucca leaves and other times she carries a bowl filled with corn, or bean sprouts. Her mask is a turquoise blue helmet with the classic double triangular face design in black, outlined in white providing a stark contrast. On each side of the mask ascending towards the heavens is an appendage of black crow feathers forming the crows wings. Finall