Kachina Figure

The Hopi and many of the Pueblos of the American Southwest retain a belief in Katsinam or Kachina, supernatural spirits that control conditions, beings and actions in the world of the living. The Katsinam and the dead live in a parallel world, emerging into the world of the living at set times between mid-December and mid-July to assist people to maintain a harmoniously balanced cosmos. Katsinam figures show the principal characteristic of each of the spirits taking part in the annual round of masquerades and dances that reaffirm the links between living communities and the spirits. The figures, seen more as toys, are given to girls by dancers during the ceremonies.

Said to represent Wakaskatsina.

Figure has protruding eyes and mouth, horns on sides of head, and red, white, dark brown and yellow feathers attached to top with string. Costume is painted with necklace, sash, skirt, and boots, each with a geometric design.