Kachina Figure

Item number D4.54 from the MOA: University of British Columbia.

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Description

Figure with elaborate feathered headdress that has semicircular shape and radiating step design in red, blue, yellow, white and black. The figure's V-shaped face is white with a black, red and blue geometric design, its cloak is white with bands of red and black, its dress has a black scale and line pattern with a black painted fringe on the bottom, and the figure is wearing blue boots with a red design. Inscriptions on bottom of garment.

History Of Use

The Hopi and many of the Pueblos of the American Southwest retain a belief in Katsinam or Kachina, supernatural spirits that control conditions, beings and actions in the world of the living. The Katsinam and the dead live in a parallel world, emerging into the world of the living at set times between mid-December and mid-July to assist people to maintain a harmoniously balanced cosmos. Katsinam figures show the principal characteristic of each of the spirits taking part in the annual round of masquerades and dances that reaffirm the links between living communities and the spirits. The figures, seen more as toys, are given to girls by dancers during the ceremonies.