Dung Carrier

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In the Hopi tradition, Dung Carrier, or Kwiranonoa, is one of many runner kachinas (Wawarus) that challenge men to races. If the men are caught, Dung Carrier smears his victims' faces with human excrement. Often, the Dung Carrier appears as a female kachina (Kachin-mana), although they are still personated by men. Dung Carriers can appear singly or paired in the kachina parade at the Powamu Ceremony and in mixed dances of spring and early summer. Sometimes between 15 to 30 Dung Carrier kachinas may appear in one-day ceremonies that can occur any time of year.

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