Stick Kachina, Ma'alo Katsina, Hopi, Arizona, USA Years 1900-1910 Carved wood (cottonwood), pigments, horsehair, and feathers H. 26.5 cm Stick Kachina doll, Ma'alo Katsina H. 10 ½ in Provenance: - Former John Molloy Collection, New York - Acquired from previous in 2011 This important and ancient kachina figure represents a spirit known as Ma'alo. Its characteristically geometrically constructed mask and asymmetrical ears (one is figured by a long red pigtail of dyed horsehair while the other is carved) allow for the precise identification of this kachina. The figure holds a long stick in one hand, the emblem of the Ma'alo kachina, and a dance rattle in the other. Note the presence of two symbols of clouds laden with rain and lightning at the back of the head. The Ma'alo kachina appeared during the Niman Dance (Return Home) and on the occasion of night-time ceremonies. Her coming was a prayer for rain (hence the symbols on the back of her mask) and for a good harvest. It seems that Ma'alo dances have become increasingly rare over the past century, as this spirit has been gradually replaced by other figures in the pantheon with a similar role.