Katsina : Soyal : Peter Shelton Jr

Soyal Katsina by award winning artist Peter Shelton Jr Item : Soyal Katsina Carver : Peter Shelton Jr Origin : Hopi Size : 12" Materials : Wood, fur, yarn, string and paint This Soyal Katsina also known as Return Katsina, carries the symbol of the Soyal Ceremony, and usually arrives in December and signals the return of a Katsina season.  Soyal katsinam is an integral part of the Soyal Solstice Ceremony, which begins on the shortest day of the year, and symbolizes the second phase of Creation at the Dawn of Life. Its prayers and rituals implement a plan of life for the coming year, ceremonially turning back the sun toward its summer path. The longest ceremony on the ceremonial cycle, lasting up to 16 days, sacred rituals are performed in underground chambers called kivas. Many ceremonies involve dancing and singing; the kachinas may even bring gifts to the children. At Soyal time elders pass down stories to children, teaching pivotal lessons like respecting others. The Hopi, The Peacef