Lolma! (Greeting in the Hopi Language)
For many cultures throughout the world, December is the month of storytelling. In this month of Christmas festivities, families and friends are uniting to share stories, and I think we should do the same.
This is a Hopi creation story—a story of chaos, new beginnings, and a possible ancient alien. I will let you come to your own conclusion about this cast of characters.
Long ago, in the Third World of the Hopis. Life became unbearable. The people were living a life of “koyanisqatsi” (the crazy life). Gambling, lust, jealousy, and hatred took over the daily lives of the people. The human value of respect was lost to the people. The village chief became disheartened about the future of his people. He prayed and enlisted the help of animals to search for new lands that could offer a new beginning for the few people still maintaining the Hopi way of life. One bird found such land. However, a strange, unusual creature occupied these new lands. The Chief made his journey to meet with this being, known as “Masau’u”, the original caretaker and owner of these lands. The Hopi entered a covenant with Masau’u by allowing the Hopi to escape from the Third World and begin a new life in this Fourth World. The Hopi pledged to protect and take care of the land we call Mother Earth.
Masau’u is often feared by children and anyone who encounters him because of his appearance. It was said that upon meeting him, he sat next to a fire, which is depicted on his body with red, yellow, and blue dots. His head is large and oval. His eyes are large and black, and his teeth are sharp and jagged. His head is adorned with sumac branches with prayer feathers. These prayer sticks are prayers for all life on earth.
It is said that he can transform into any creature, but this is how he presented himself to the village Chief. No one knows his true origins, but it is often said that he comes from another universe. This time of year is known as “Kya’muya” (The respectful moon). It is a time of reflection and a reminder of the covenant we made with Masau’u.
Masau’u is revered and deeply respected because he alone tended these lands long before the Hopi arrived. He is not considered a kachina. He is a deity, the original caretaker and owner of these lands. His fire is warmth during these cold winter months, and his hair of prayer feathers is a blessing for all life. During the Winter Solstice, the Hopi Chiefs prepare these prayer sticks as blessings for all life, and with these prayers, all living beings are given a renewed breath of life.
How fitting that the gallery has received a wonderful collection of Masau’u just in time to share this creation story. These Masau ‘u dolls are hand-carved by various Hopi Kachina doll carvers from the Hopi Lands. These carvers use cottonwood roots to carve their dolls because the wood is soft.
We hope you find this collection of Masau'u dolls as fascinating as we do!
Happy Holidays!
Paulita Lomaomvaya, Toh-Atin Gallery
