Mavasta Honyouti – Bas Relief Carving of Maasaw and Maasaw Mana – Published

This piece is published on page 226 of my book, “The Great Tradition of Hopi Katsina Carvers.” Mavasta Honyouti is one of the most creative artists working today. This example of his skill is a bas relief carving of the Katsina versions of Maasaw and his partner, Maasaw Mana. The Hopi say that Maasaw is the God of the Underworld. He is said to have greeted the Hopi in this, the Fourth World, and to have taught them how to grow corn and use fire. When I obtained this piece from Mavasta he said that it “represents the germination aspects of Maasaw and Maasaw Mana.” The piece is 7 1/4″ wide by 6 7/8″ tall and 7/8″ deep. It bears his usual signature on the back: MHONYOUTI.com