“Owl Kachina Mask by Teissedre Designs”
“Hopi and Zuni dolls are and were used to allow young women from the tribe to participate in sacred dances performed by the men. A rich, complicated cultural ritual I am not qualified to discuss, and I am not really sure anyone of European origin can, to tell the truth. We can “own” kachina dolls, but can we understand them? I guess as interlopers. There are some 400 identified, each with distinctive features represented by adornment and design.”
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The villages at the Hopi Pueblo in northern Arizona mark time by the ceremonial calendar, with duties and dances designated by the sun, the moon and the seasons. The Kachinas appear between the winter solstice and late July, bringing blessings and rain to the Hopi people and watching them observe the rituals that keep life in balance.
The Kachinas are the spirits inherent in all living things, they are the breath of life that makes rain for all. When the Hopi men don the “friend” and become the Kachina impersonators, they have the ability to connect with the spirit world.”
“Vintage Rare Hopi Kachina, ”Kisau Prairie Falcon Kachina. One of the rarest, oldest and seldom seen figures from the ancient times. White case mask with black warrior masks running vertically on cheeks. Feathers on sides instead of more modern Tablita ears. This figure as Fewkes said in 1903, ”A fading figure of ancient times.” Wears a breech clout and women’s belt. Lines over chest, arms, and down back represent wings. He would have carried a yucca whip to whip his victims.”
“Amazing Eagle Dancer by world famous silversmith Wilford Begay”
“In many cultures there are certain objects that are considered sacred, that is, they serve a religious purpose. One of the earliest American conservation articles to stress the importance of this intangible component of such artifacts states that “we should reconsider the circumstances under which sacred objects undergo modern, scientific conservation treatment, since the very process of handling, documentation and treatment could constitute interference with the integrity of the object and destruction of its functional and spiritual value””
“Hopi Mudhead Kachina (Katsina)
Origin: Arizona
Circa: Early 20th Century
Dimensions: Height 4.5 in
Materials: Bone, cloth
Provenance: Private Collection, WA”
“A pair of OTTO PENTEWA Kachinas. TALAVAI the MORNING SINGER, likely from the 1940’s. The other is a rare PARROT KACHINA or HUMMINGBIRD variation.”
“Cow Kachina by Chester Poleyestewa”
“The Cow Kachina intercedes with the heavens to protect herds. At the end of Cow kachina’s appearance in a ceremonial dance, spectators will often take the feathers to put into their houses and corrals to ensure that their stock will increase.”
My new Kachina Doll sent from NM from my Dad, now alongside my other favorite collection get items. :)
