Mavasta Honyouti is a skilled Hopi Katsina carver from Hotevilla Third Mesa. He is Ronald Honyouti’s son and Clyde Honyouti’s Grandson, both skilled Hopi Katsina carvers.  He is well known for his low-relief scenes.  This piece is entitled, “Corn Maiden” and it is carved from cottonwood root.  The lid has a carved corn maiden wth clouds at the bottom of the figure and a rainbow around the base.  The “jar” has four rows of terraced clouds, and it is carved through the wood.  It is painted and is a creative piece of his wood art.  This is one of those pieces that you have to take time to look at all the levels of designs and imagery as the piece is turned.  The piece is painted after the carving. It is signed, “M. H.

The Hopi Corn Maiden represents a prayer for a bountiful harvest and abundance.  She represents the spirit of corn, essential for sustenance and symbolizing a spiritual connection to Mother Earth.  She appears during the Soyal ceremony and in dances to bless the fields and mark kiva openings. Her dance is often accompanied by prayers for rain and a successful harvest.  She embodies a deep respect for daily nourishment and serves as a reminder to be thankful.  The Blue Corn Maiden is considered the most beautiful in some stories.