Hopi carver Marvin Talayumptewa honored the most important maidens in the Hopi ceremonies with his cottonwood root sculpture "Maidens of the Ancients." He used the natural shape of the wood to give the piece its graceful appearance. Marvin describes them, from bottom left to top: "Hahai-I Wuhit is considered to mother of all Katsinas and grandmother to most. When she appears, she speaks in a shrill voice and is very demanding. "Angak'chin Mana or Kocha Mana (White Girl) always accompanies the Angak'china when he appears and dances in the plaza. "Takursh Mana, Yellow Corn Maiden appears with a variety of katsinas including Anak'china, Niman and Ma'alo. "Nuvak'chin Mana, Snow Maiden appears at the Niman Ceremony (Home Dance). Her prayers are for a plentiful snow to provide needed spring time moisture. "Pachavuin Mana appears with Hemis katsina at the Home Dance. She is the carrier of beansprouts, bean pods, corn and grass. "Hoko Mana is a Zuni maiden who appears with the Hopi Hemis katsina at the Home Dance."
Height 15 1/2", with 6"
