Kachina Figure Item Number: 3255/4 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Kachina doll. Carved from wood, figure has a large rounded head, helmet-like, painted dark pink, with a long black tubular snout set into a face decorated with one long painted eye and webbed patterning in blue and yellow on sides. A short, thick neck connects head to torso. Dark yellow arms are moveable, nailed on at the shoulders, and slightly bent at the elbows. Each hand holds a wooden knife attached by a nail. Torso is dark yellow and red, with a short white, blue and grey skirt below, revealing legs bent at the knees and feet attached to a square base of wood.
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
- 3255/4
- Type of Item
- figure
- Material
- cottonwood wood, paint and metal
- Overall
- height 28.0 cm, width 10.0 cm, depth 7.0 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
- 3255/0004