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.

• Iconographic Meaning

  The design on the clothing represents a Hopi blanket pattern.

• 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.

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• Type of Item figure
• Culture Hopi
• Material cottonwood wood, feather, paint, cotton fibre
• Measurements height 33.0 cm, width 9.0 cm, depth 12.0 cm (part a) height 2.7 cm, diameter 1.8 cm (part b)

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• Previous Owner Michael M. Koerner
• Received from Michael M. Koerner

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• Made in New Mexico, Arizona

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• Ownership Date before July 20, 2017
• Acquisition Date on July 20, 2017

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• Condition good
• Accession Number 3255/0003