Debbie Clashin has become one of the exciting leaders in Hopi-Tewa pottery over the past several years.  She is known for her large-sized traditional fired vessels.  This is an early piece of her pottery from 2010. The jar is coil-built and thin-walled.  It is painted with bee-weed and a deep red clay slip. The bowl has two Longhair Katsinas and a Longhair Mana Katsina.  There is a detailed corn and cloud pattern, along with several butterflies.  It is a very complex and striking grouping of designs.  The jar was traditionally fired to create the blushes on the surface.  It is signed, “DC” with a pipe for Tobacco Clan.  It is in very good condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair.

In Native American culture, long hair has been the norm throughout history. Long, flowing locks were admired and respected.  This is what makes Longhair, or Angak’china, a perfect example of a true Hopi Katsina. He wears a traditional Hopi hairstyle utilized by men.  The purpose of the Longhair Katsinam is to provide rain to the Hopi villages. They arrive in the villages in groups, often accompanied by Yellow or White Corn Maidens. They sing beautiful melodies for all, carrying optimistic themes and messages encouraging living life to its fullest. A true beacon of positivity.