Kachina: Ogre
In the Hopi traditions, the Ogre kachinas (or katsina) are supernatural beings.[1] They appear in the kachina spiritual tradition as teachers and disciplinarians. They quite literally scare children into good behavior and reinforce the Hopi way of life. They are often featured during the Powamuya Ceremony, which takes place between the Winter Solstice and mid-July. These Katsina are commonly called Boogeymen. Their outstanding feature is their long, flapping jaws, which they can clack most effectively.
There are both black and white Ogre kachinas. The White Ogre, called Wiharu, represents good; while the Black Ogre, called Nata-aska, threatens small children who are naughty. The Black Ogre holds a knife, crook, and basket to catch and carry away children. As protection or compensation, children are expected to provide food for her, or she may eat them instead. Both ogres usually carry a saw or knife, as well as a bow and arrows for hunting as they participate in the Hopi ceremonies. Beyond the white and black kachinas are the Giant Ogre (Chaveyo) and the Ogre Soyok’mana, which keep watchful, buldging eyes over the children living on the three mesas. [2]
Other features of the Ogre kachinas include:
- Pink blow feathers
- Elaborate feather head dress
- Horse hair fringe over the face
- Crossed leather sash with shells
- Wooden basket
- Elk hide cape
- Leather wrapped moccasins
References:
[2] https://www.kachinahouse.com/native-american-made-ogre-woman-disciplinarian-katsina-doll-3528
Henry E. Hooper 