Kachina Figure Item Number: D4.118 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Standing Kachina figure painted in yellow, blue, green, orange, red, black, white. Feathers attached at top of figure's head and at back of head. Cloud, rain, lightning, abstract geometric designs on face; mountain symbols on skirt. Loop of string tied around neck of figure.
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.
Iconographic Meaning
Figure represents Hehey’akatsina, the messenger to the rain gods.
Item History
- Made in Arizona, USA between 1900 and 1950
- Owned by Walter C. Koerner before 1972
- Received from Walter C. Koerner (Donor) during 1972
What
Who
- Culture
- Hopi
- Previous Owner
- Walter C. Koerner
- Received from
- Walter C. Koerner (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Arizona, USA
When
- Creation Date
- between 1900 and 1950
- Ownership Date
- before 1972
- Acquisition Date
- during 1972
Other
- Condition
- fair
- Accession Number
- 0160/0114