Mana

23''H x 9.5''W

''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. Anything that has to do with moisture is to be held in great reverence. Like a mother corn has silkened strands that fall over the developing ear with its plump kernels, the cutting of ''the stream of life,'' or beautiful hair, seemed 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. The coming of outside influence changed much of the customs of cutting the hair.

She has no face, which symbolizes the same egalitarian society of the Hopi people. She represents a people, not an individual.