Kachina Figure Item Number: 3255/5 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Large kachina doll. Carved from wood, figure has a bucket-shaped head with a flat top, feathers attached at top and back, and large rounded ears emerging from each side. Face is light brown, with a stepped pattern on each cheek in black, pink and green beneath large black slit-shaped eyes. Snout is a protruding tube. A thin cotton rope is tied around neck and hangs down back. Head sits directly on the shoulders, with carved arms held close to body and fists at stomach. Torso is painted dark pink-red with patterning in yellow and green. A short white skirt has black, yellow, green and red square patterning down the right side, with wide legs and large feet emerging below and attached to a thick square base.
History Of Use
Katsinam dolls (singular kachina) are used amongst the Zuni and Hopi, but not the Pueblo people; they are carved wearing masks and costumes, and are usually regarded as profane. The masks resemble those used in ceremonies, and represent different spirits. The dolls are freely circulated and sold commercially.
Item History
- Made in New Mexico, USA and Arizona, USA
- Owned by Michael M. Koerner before July 20, 2017
- Received from Michael M. Koerner (Donor) on July 20, 2017
What
- Name
- Kachina Figure
- Identification Number
- 3255/5
- Type of Item
- figure
- Material
- cottonwood wood, feather, cotton fibre and paint
- Overall
- height 34.5 cm, width 13.0 cm, depth 13.0 cm
Who
- Culture
- Hopi
- Previous Owner
- Michael M. Koerner
- Received from
- Michael M. Koerner (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- New Mexico, USA and Arizona, USA
When
- Ownership Date
- before July 20, 2017
- Acquisition Date
- on July 20, 2017
Other
- Condition
- good
- Accession Number
- 3255/0005