The Mastop Hopi Kachina Folklore and History

The Mastop Kachina is the second kachina to appear on Third Mesa. He is not present on Second or First Mesa. These Kachinas always arrive in pairs and come bounding out of the northwest on the next to the last day of the Soyal. As they rush into the village they beat all the dogs that they encounter using the short black and white staff which they carry for that purpose. Leaping about with many antic gestures, they make their way to the Chief Kiva where they talk in disguised voices with the Chief Kiva where they talk in disguised voices with the individuals inside and with each other. Then, as though suddenly becoming aware of the females in the audience, they dash madly into a cluster of women and grab their shoulders from behind and they give a series of small hops indicating copulation. Then they return to kiva and converse for a while before again dashing over to another group of women, repeating the action until nearly every woman present from child to the very oldest has been approached. All women, even the shy ones, do not avoid this embrace as it is a serious fertility rite despite the antic touches, which are never directed towards the women.

Male Ogre Kachina Doll Information and Meaning

There are many different types of Ogre Kachinas, but they all pretty much the same in their duties at the ceremonies. They demand food from the people, in return they will not take the children away from their parents. They also are the disciplinarians. of the children and adults who do not help with the daily duties of the clan.

The Standing Watermelon Clown Kachina Folklore and Meaning

Navajo Clown Kachina

The clown is the conscience of the people. They provide amusement during pauses in the Kachina Dance or the levity for the seriousness of a major ceremony. The clown Kachina provides lessons in behavior during their performance.