Collections: Arts of the Americas: Kachina Doll

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Kachina Doll

• Culture: Pueblo, Hopi, Native American
• Medium: Wood, fur, cotton, horsehair, feather, shell, horn, stone
• Dates: 18th century
• Dimensions: 12 1/4 x 5 x 3 in. (31.1 x 12.7 x 7.6 cm)
• Collections: Arts of the Americas
• Museum Location: This item is not on view
• Accession Number: 05.588.7193
• Credit Line: Museum Expedition 1905, Museum Collection Fund
• Image: Overall, 05.588.7193.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph
Pueblo, Hopi (Native American). Kachina Doll, 18th century. Wood, fur, cotton, horsehair, feather, shell, horn, stone, 12 1/4 x 5 x 3 in. (31.1 x 12.7 x 7.6 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Museum Expedition 1905, Museum Collection Fund, 05.588.7193 (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 05.588.7193.jpg)
• Catalogue Description: This kachina is in the grouping normally referred to as an ogre kachina. It has bulging eyes and a protruding snout exhibiting a fierce aspect. In dances the wearer uses this ferocity to scare the children into behaving. A fur cape is thrown over his shoulders and feather plumes adorn his head. Dangling from a necklace of handspun cotton and hide thing is a trio of objects; a red stone blade, a small shell, and a carefully incised portion of horn.This kachina is possibly one called "Uncle" and appears next to the Tsa'kwynakachina-a warrior appearing during the Powamuya (bean growing) ceremony and in the Angk'wa. Uncle is a side dancer with body paints of different colors. Front of proper left foot is replacement.