Larson Harris
Cross Legged
Huhuwa
12" H
with 1 1/4" base
"Huhuwa is known as the
Cross-Legged Kachina or on First Mesa, the Snare Kachina. Folklore
has it that this kachina is the spirit of a man from Second Mesa,
probably Mishongnovi, who has some crippling disease that left
him barely able to walk. Despite this handicap he was so cheerful
and eager to help others that he still continues among the Hopi
as a kachina.
"He often appears as
a pair of kachinas hobbling about some village during a ceremony
chattering between themselves. He is probably chosen more often
as a gift-giving kachina at Powamu times than any other kachina.
"He is noted for his
remarks which are always humorous. He imitates the dialects of
the various villages and the funny things the villagers have
done. His clothes are always ragged and give the appearance of
having been rescued from the moths in some Hopi storeroom.
"Yet he is always greeted
with delight by all who see him."
- Barton Wright, Kachinas: a Hopi
Artist's Documentary, (40)
