Angwusnasomtaka, the Crow Mother, is a nurturing and loving mother. She is regarded as the mother of all kachinas, and as such is held in high regard by all. She appears during the winter and summer solstices, carrying a basket full of sprouts to represent life’s new beginnings and a bountiful harvest. She often appears during children’s Kachina initiation procedures. She arrives with a bundle of yucca blades to be used in the ritual. The Hu Kachinas whip themselves with yucca blades. During the whippings, the Crow Mother replaces all yucca blades that become worn.