The
Angwusnasomtaka, or Crow Mother, as she is called, "is a
figure of great dignity. She appears on all three mesas, usually
in connection with the initiation of the children, although she
also appears on other occassions.
At
the initiation rites she descends into the kiva bearing a large
number of yucca blades bound together at the base. She takes
a position at one corner of the large sand painting on the floor
of the kiva, with one of her "sons" on either side
of her.
As
the candidate is brought to the sand painting she hands a whip
to one of the Hu' Kachinas who gives the child four healthy strokes
with the yucca blade. When the yucca becomes worn it is handed
back to the Crow Mother who then supplies a new one.
When
the initiatory whipping is over, she raises her skirts and receives
the same treatment accorded the children. They are given prayer
feathers and meal and leave the kiva."
- Barton Wright, Kachinas:
a Hopi Artist's Documentary (66)
