Initiation Ceremony For Children  (Hopi Indian)

Hopi children are initiated into the Kachina Cult by Angwusnasomtaka - the Crow Mother (center), Hu' - Crow  Mother's son(s) (left) and Qalaui (who only apperars on 2nd Mesa) (right). During the initiation, the children are taught the basics of Kachina Lore. They also learn that the Kachinas before them are not the actual Kachina  Spirits, but members of their village assuming a spiritual identity. The yucca whips are used in a ceremonial  whipping of the children.