HOPI FIGURE

Joseph Jacinto Mora (1876-1947), Monterey, acquired when living near Oraibi between 1904-1906

Jo N. Mora Jr, Monterey, by descent from the above

George Terasaki, New York, acquired from the above in March, 1972

Alexandra Pascassio and George Terasaki, Kachina: George Terasaki Collection, Paris, 2008, n.p., cat. no. 28

The Palhik Mana is a not a kachina spirit but rather a female dance personage, belonging to the Mamzrau, a Hopi women’s society. She is a complex entity in that she assumes different roles within the context of different Hopi rituals. Palhik Mana sometimes assumes the role of Poli Mana or the "Butterfly Maiden", when she performs in the March Angl'wa dance ceremonies. At other times, she is associated with the coming of rain and potable drinking water. At other times she may dance in a troupe of corn-grinding maidens, in hope of a successful harvest. Despite her function, in tihu, or doll form, the Palhik Mana is depicted with an elaborate tableta, or headdress, which is usually painted in brightly colored hues that recall the beautiful polychrome wings of butterflies. The present example exhibits such a headdress, with the primary colors in striking contrast to one another having a similar effect to the work of the Dutch abstract artist Piet Mondrian.