“Mana”

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”Mana” represents the female in Hopi, and can be either a maiden or a woman. A Mana can be easily recognized by the innate beauty of her hair. In ancient days, it was considered a sin to cut the hair. The flow of hair was compared to a flow of water, and anything that has to do with moisture is to be held in great reverence. Like a mother corn has silken strands that fall over the developing ear with its plump kernels, the cutting of ”the stream of life,” or beautiful hair, was seen to be sacrilegious.

An essential part of almost every ceremony consists of the washing of hair utilizing the roots of yucca, or soapweed. This is symbolic of purifying. Cuttings of hair are usually saved and made into a hair cord and used ceremonially. Outside influences eventually changed many of the customs surrounding the cutting of one’s hair.

“Mana” has no face, to symbolizes the egalitarian society of the Hopi people. She represents a people, not an individual.