Kachina Figure

Item number 3255/3 from the MOA: University of British Columbia.

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Description

Large kachina doll. Carved from wood, figure has a square head, rounded, with feathers attached to top and left side, and a single ear emerging from the right. On a base of brown, face is painted orange, blue, black and yellow around the black slit eyes. The figure has a long round nose, painted blue and orange. A thin cotton string is wrapped around the neck. Head sits directly on the shoulders, with carved arms held close to body and fists at stomach. Torso is painted blue, orange and yellow, with a ‘v’ shaped chest decoration in white. A long skirt with black, orange and blue stepped patterning down the right side covers most of the legs, with large feet emerging below and attached to a 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.