It was a pleasure having an opportunity exploring this unusual collection, especially for guests from other parts of the world.
During my visit I discovered this modern katsina doll, which can also be called kachina doll depending on the native tribe. In the Hopi language there is no “ch”, therefore the correct linguistic word is katsina. Whereas kachina doll is common amongst the Navajo people.
These beautiful figurines are often carved from cottonwood root and decorated by young women. According to the Hopi community these dolls are spiritual entities, attempting to appease nature, in the hope for a good harvest or hunt. The group also gifts children with these deities so they learn about the dolls different stories and their significance, preserving the ‘katsina’ faith.
Image:
Unknown artist, male Shalako, early 1900s, wood, paint and feathers, H403 mm x W244 mm x D76 mm.
Hopi, Native American, Male Shalako Kachina, early 20th century, wood, paint and feathers. Detroit Institute of Arts, Gift of Lucille and Marshall Miller Kachina Collection, 1995.101.
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