Mongwa : The Owl Spirit

The Mongwa is a kachina or spirit that symbolises intelligence and wisdom. The Hopi believe that the wisdom and intelligence of the Mongwa kachina help them keep their fields free of rodents. They are also a frequent character in the various traditions and rituals performed by the members of the Hopi tribe and their main role is to knock sense into kachina clowns.

The term Katsina or Kachina refers to the various spirits that are revered by the Hopi and other peoples. There are hundreds of these in the tribe and they are also known to be used in sacred dances.

The Mongwa is considered to be a natural spirit that is represented by the Great Horned Owl and the ceremonial masks also tend to be inspired by the physicality. There are other kachinas that are represented by owls like the Screech Owl (Hotsko), Spruce Owl (Salap Mongwa) but are different from the Mongwa.

Read more about the Mongwa at https://mythlok.com/mongwa/