Creation Date

1931 – 1955

Description

Eagle Dance Kachina. 11 x 17" Eagle mask has yellow and black beak, aqua face, and red ears. The figure is painted with a yellow and black shirt and a beige skirt with green, red, and black design. The outstretched wings are black. It has yellow leggings and aqua & red moccasins. There are 4 feathers around the lower edge of the mask, 2 wrapped feathers on top and 3 bigger feathers on the back. The back has an aqua rectangle with red, yellow and blue circles.


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.
According to her book, it was a gift to Cleora Helbing from Dr. and Mrs. R. M. Tisinger of Jackson, Virginia.

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.