Description

The Snow Maiden Kachina, known in the Hopi tradition as Nuvak’chin Mana or Qotsa Mana, is depicted here in this stunning piece by Hopi carver Wilmer Kaye.  The kachina is a traditional ceremonial figure symbolizing winter, snow, and the vital moisture needed for spring crops.  In Wilmer’s iteration, the maiden stands atop a tall pillar which rests atop a round base, the pillar carved with a brick-like pattern topped with multiple longhair kachinas.  Each of these is vibrantly painted in turquoise, red, black, white and yellow, their hair representing rain.  The snow maiden itself holds what appears to be a gourd in one hand, the other arm and hand covered entirely by the cloak carved around its shoulders.  The  maiden’s head and face are entirely white, its eyes and mouth black, and carved earrings painted turquoise dot accent each ear.  The maiden’s clothing features lovely coloring of red, black, white, blue and green.  12 3/4″ tall x 4″ wide.