Angak-china (Longhair)
The Long-haired kachina is one of the most
pervasive of all kachinas. It appears from the Rio Grande to the Hopi Mesas
in almost the same form. Among the Hopis there are many varieties. They
appear in a group and sing a very melodious song which may be one of the
reasons that they are such favorites. They are often used for the Niman
Kachina on First Mesa coming with the Köcha Mana. In fact they have danced
in late August on First Mesa in direct contradiction to the feeling that
only Masau’u can be danced out of season. Probably this was due to the
presence of the Tewa people who do not have a closed kachina season. Their
purpose is to bring rain, and it is said that they seldom dance without the
appearance of a soft gentle rain to help the crops grow.
