Item Records

This page shows all the information we have about this item. Both the institution that physically holds this item, and RRN members have contributed the knowledge on this page. You’re looking at the item record provided by the holding institution. If you scroll further down the page, you’ll see the information from RRN members, and can share your own knowledge too.

The RRN processes the information it receives from each institution to make it more readable and easier to search. If you’re doing in-depth research on this item, be sure to take a look at the Data Source tab to see the information exactly as it was provided by the institution.

These records are easy to share because each has a unique web address. You can copy and paste the location from your browser’s address bar into an email, word document, or chat message to share this item with others.

  • Data
  • Data Source

This information was automatically generated from data provided by Brooklyn Museum. It has been standardized to aid in finding and grouping information within the RRN. Accuracy and meaning should be verified from the Data Source tab.

Description

Giant (Chaveyo) Kachina Doll. Artist probably Henry Shelton. This Kachina is one of the ogres in the white ogre family. Carved from one piece of cottonwood root and painted light beige, he stands with both feet on the ground, knees slightly bent, PR arm raised and PL arm lowered. He has a snarling, fanged mouth with red showing inside, goggle eyes, black face paint with white swirls on the cheeks, and very large red ears. He wears a fur ruff around his neck and has a rayed feathered headdress. He holds whipping sticks in raised PR hand and a large sword with a swirled, snakelike design and feather tuffs in lowered PL hand. His kilt and boots are carved on. He wears a hide cape and has hide fringe knees and on the top of his carved boots. Prior to the Angk'wa (February night dances) the Ogre family appears in the village demanding food and game in large quantities. For about a week they appear going from house to house insisting they give. If not enough food is forthcoming they hoot, snarl and terrify claiming they will eat the children. Children are terrified. Everyone looks to see what they have done wrong to deserve this. The Ogre's are the reminders that everyone’s behavior is not good enough to live up to the high Hopi standards. They are the reminders to live the spiritual life. Once ridicule and punishment are over the ogres give a blessing and a social dance is held for healing. The Ogre family is forcibly removed from the village.

Credit Line

Gift of Edith and Hershel Samuels

Signed

Not signed

Item History

With an account, you can ask other users a question about this item. Request an Account

With an account, you can submit information about this item and have it visible to all users and institutions on the RRN. Request an Account

Similar Items