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Kachina Doll
Kachina Doll
Culture

Kachina Doll

Datec. 1900-1920
DimensionsOverall: 7 1/4 × 5 1/2 in. (18.4 × 14 cm)
Object numberT0803
Credit LineGift of Pierre and Maria Gaetana Matisse Foundation
Photograph by Richard Walker
Label TextThere are three manifestations of kachinas. Most important are the spirit beings who reside in and around the Hopi villages from late December until early July when they return to the spirit world. Another occurs when their spiritual essence is transformed into human dancers who dress as kachinas at major ceremonies. The third is the carved wooden kachina figure (tithu) that is given to a young girl as part of her instruction on Hopi spirituality. There are many different kachinas, often associated with life-giving spirits such as rain, animals, plants, and ancestors. Each kachina’s identity is conveyed through clothing and adornment.
ProvenanceFred Harvey; Museum of the American Indian/Heye Foundation (9/1006), New York City; 1919; Julius Carelbach, New York City; gift of Pierre and Maria-Gaetana Matisse Foundation, New York City
BibliographyGustafson, Eleanor. "Museum Accessions" The Magazine Antiques, vol. CLXV, no 3, March 2004: 34.

"Tenth Anniversary of the Eugene and Clare Thaw Collection of American Indian Art, 1995-2005" in Heritage magazine, 2005, vol 20. pg. 31.

Fognell, Eva and Alexander Brier Marr, eds. Art of the North American Indians: The Thaw Collection at the Fenimore Art Museum, 2nd ed. Cooperstown, New York: Fenimore Art Museum, 2016, p. 248.
On View
Not on view
Kachina Doll
Wilson Tawaquaptewa
c. 1920
Kachina
Hopi
1900-1920
Kachina
Zuni Pueblo
1900-1920
Tray
Hopi
1895-1905
Bowl
Sikyatki
c. 1450-1500
Tyler Memorial
Unidentified Artist
c. 1829
Rattle
Coast Tsimshian
1840-1860
Sash
Hopi
c. 1900-1920
Split Horn Headdress
Blackfeet
c. 1870
Kachina Doll
Hopi
c. 1900-1920
Kachina Doll
Hopi
c. 1890
After the Battle
Henry R. DiSpirito
1947

5798 STATE HIGHWAY 80
COOPERSTOWN NY, 13326
607-547-1400

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