Creation Date

1931 – 1955

Description

Black kachina doll. 12.5" tall and 6" wide with 3 black feathers attached to the head. It has bulging white eyes, red ears, and a protruding mouth with pointed teeth. There is a pink and white "O" on the chest. It carries knives in each hand and wears a leather cape, pink moccasins and a cotton loin cloth.

There is a letter in the collection file from Cleora to Dr. R. M. Tisinger of Mount Jackson, Virgina asking him to sell her one of his kachina dolls since an anthopologist had talked her out of hers and she really wanted to include one in the exhibit.

Many Pueblo Indians, most notably the Hopi, believe that Kachinas are spirits who come to visit in the early spring. Kachinas help with rain, harvest, long life, good health, fertility, and balance with nature. Their arrival is celebrated with public ceremonies. Men portray the spirits using masks and attire of various Kachinas for dancing and singing.
Kachinas remain with the people until the growing season is over.
A carved doll in the costume of a particular spirit, is often presented as a gift to children. These dolls were not toys, but educational tools used to teach about Kachinas (or spirits). Sometimes these figures are carved as representations of the spirits themselves and intended to be honored.