The Palhik Mana, or Butterfly
Maiden, is one of the most popular kachinas in the Hopi carvers'
repertoire. This beautifully dressed figure is not really a kachina,
but rather a woman's dance personage.
Women who appear in the Mamzrau
Initiation Dance are called the Palhik' Manas. They are never
masked except on Third Mesa, although they all appear to be when
carved as dolls. The carvings typically include an elaborate
tableta including butterfly and corn symbols.
Von Monongye is one of the greatest modern kachina carvers. He
is featured in nearly every major publication dealing with kachinas
and has won many awards. His work can be found in museums and
private collections around the world.
He rarely carves anymore,
as he spends a great deal of time tending his land and running
his own gift shop here on the Hopi reservation.
