Kachina Doll (Hilili Kohanna)
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Object Label
This kachina has characteristics of two different spirits. Hilili Kachina is known to carry a real or stuffed snake around his neck during the Hilili dances that are performed with Mudhead Kachinas (clowns who misbehave and entertain the crowd) during early February planting ceremonies. Alternatively, this kachina may represent a Snake Dancer, a man who dances with live rattlesnakes or bull snakes in a clan dance representing the clan’s ancestor. This important ceremony ensures water for crops and is still performed today, although the ceremonies are closed to the public to keep rowdy visitors from upsetting the snakes.
Esta kachina tiene las características de dos espíritus diferentes. Kachina Hilili se conoce por llevar una serpiente real o rellena alrededor de su cuello durante las danzas Hilili que se realizan con Kachinas Cabezas de Barro (payasos que hacen travesuras y entretienen a la multitud). Alternativamente, esta kachina puede representar a un Bailarín Serpiente, un hombre que danza con serpientes cascabel o serpientes toro vivas en una danza del clan, representando al ancestro de dicho clan. Esta importante ceremonia asegura agua para las cosechas y es celebrada hasta hoy, aunque las ceremonias están cerradas al público para que los visitantes ruidosos no perturben a las serpientes.
Caption
A:shiwi (Zuni Pueblo). Kachina Doll (Hilili Kohanna), late 19th century. Wood, pigment, horse hair, hide, cotton, feathers, tin, 20 x 6 1/2 x 5 1/2 in. (50.8 x 16.5 x 14 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Museum Expedition 1903, Museum Collection Fund, 03.325.4648. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 03.325.4648_threequarter_PS6.jpg)
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Culture
Title
Kachina Doll (Hilili Kohanna)
Date
late 19th century
Medium
Wood, pigment, horse hair, hide, cotton, feathers, tin
Classification
Dimensions
20 x 6 1/2 x 5 1/2 in. (50.8 x 16.5 x 14 cm)
Credit Line
Museum Expedition 1903, Museum Collection Fund
Accession Number
03.325.4648
Rights
Creative Commons-BY
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Frequent Art Questions
Tell me more.
Kachina dolls are given as gifts during Pueblo ceremonies and are used to educate children on the appearance of various kachina spirits as part of their religious development.The kachina dolls are representations of Kachina spirits, beings who have the power to influence nature and are venerated by the Hopi and Zuni as a part of their ceremonial cycles, which are tied to the seasonal demands of agriculture.This particular doll may represent Hilili, whose dances are performed at planting ceremonies or a Snake Dancer, a man who dances with live rattlesnakes in an important ceremony to ensure water for crops.
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