Hopi Calendar

February- "Powamuya"

 

Shalako
Artwork By: Frank Honahnie, Jr
Photo Taken By: Lyle Balenquah

The month of February serves as a time for purification and renewal for Hopi. The bean dance occurs at this time and is when the katsinam return and prepare for the upcoming planting season. Katsinam are the spiritual beings that represent all life forms of this universe. Hopi prayers are carried out by the katsinam in hope for rain, long strong life for all living things, and good crops. The katsinam appear bearing gifts for the children. The young girls receive dolls, or "tii'hu". These dolls resemble and serve as a reminder of katsinam to which each holds essential sentimental value. Young girls learn to take care of their dolls as a way of preparing them for motherhood.  The young boys receive bows and arrows so that they prepare and learn how to hunt. This is a beginning of the "kachina season", where they will make appearances through the months, up until July.

Photo is of Hopi consignment art by Frank Honahnie, Jr. This piece and two others are up for purchase on our Explore Hopi website at www.explorehopi.com.