Kachina Doll

Datec. 1900-1920

MediumCottonwood root, paint, horsehair, string, feathers, nail

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.

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