A modern sculptural doll of the Crow Mother (Angwusnasomtaka) Kachina in which large areas of the doll have been left unpainted to expose the grain of the wood. The distinctive feature of the mask of this kachina are the crow wings attached to the side. The design on the bottom edge of the robe is that of the traditional woman's embroidered wedding robe. Although she appears on various occasions, the major role of the Crow Mother Kachina is in the initiation of children into the kachina cult. During this ceremony she supplies yucca whips to her "sons," the Whipper (Hu) Kachinas, who give each child four lashes for purification. Following the whipping of the children, the Crow Mother herself is whipped. (Author's collection. Carved by M. Fischer. Height 12 1/2 inches)

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