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Arts of the Americas

Kachina Doll (Hilili Kohanna)

A:shiwi (Zuni Pueblo)

1 of 10

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.

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. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)

Gallery

Not on view

Title

Kachina Doll (Hilili Kohanna)

Date

late 19th century

Medium

Wood, pigment, horse hair, hide, cotton, feathers, tin

Classification

Sculpture

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

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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Artists and makers

A:shiwi (Zuni Pueblo)

1,299 works in the collection