Tala-wipiki, Lightning
katsina
doll
Hopi, 19th century
From
New Mexico, North America
Katsina
are benevolent spirits, who live among the Hopi during the winter
and first part of the year. In this case they relate to the
benefits of rain in an arid climate. Dolls like this are their
physical embodiment, and are given to children as rewards for good
behaviour. Lightning is associated with rain and may therefore be
considered benevolent.
J.C.H. King, First peoples, first contacts: (London, The British Museum Press, 1999)