Cimmaron Grover
Paqua Mana
10 1/4"
total height
The Paqua or Frog Katsina
is thought to be a Water clan Kachina as he represents the need
for water to grow crops in the arid lands of the Hopi. The Frog
is a coming-to-the clowns Kachina and appears in dances like
the pig, goat and mouse Kachinas.
However, he is rarely seen
and there are as many stories about his origin as there are sources
to tell you. One source even says the Frog Kachina may have originated
from a prank at Shungopavi on Second Mesa in the late 1960's
during a dance. Many Hopi adults may have only seen the Paqua
Kachina once or twice in their lifetimes, if ever at all.
Consequently the Paqua Kachina
doll is rarely carved.
The Paqua's large case mask,
formed like the head of a frog, is painted green, as is his entire
body except for the areas on his chest, which is painted white.
- Barton Wright, Kachinas: a Hopi Artist's
Documentary (175)
