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Arts of the Americas

Kachina Doll (Tam-lam Kushokta)

A:shiwi (Zuni Pueblo)

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Caption

A:shiwi (Zuni Pueblo). Kachina Doll (Tam-lam Kushokta), late 19th century. Hide, cotton, pigment, fur, hair, yucca, wood, metal, wool, 19 x 6 x 4 3/4in. (48.3 x 15.2 x 12.1cm) Other: 19 x 6 x 4 3/4in. (48.3 x 15.2 x 12.1cm). Brooklyn Museum, Museum Expedition 1903, Museum Collection Fund, 03.325.4653. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)

Gallery

Not on view

Title

Kachina Doll (Tam-lam Kushokta)

Date

late 19th century

Medium

Hide, cotton, pigment, fur, hair, yucca, wood, metal, wool

Classification

Sculpture

Dimensions

19 x 6 x 4 3/4in. (48.3 x 15.2 x 12.1cm) Other: 19 x 6 x 4 3/4in. (48.3 x 15.2 x 12.1cm)

Credit Line

Museum Expedition 1903, Museum Collection Fund

Accession Number

03.325.4653

Frequent Art Questions

  • I'm curious if these statues have significance as religious objects or were just artistic objects created to sell (since kachinas are usually worn as costumes ceremonially).

    Kachina dolls are used to teach children about religion in Zuni and Hopi Pueblo Native American culture. Kachinas are thought to embody the spirit of a living thing and when called upon, they will evoke the power of whatever spirit they represented, such as an eagle. They are also represented by men in costume during ceremonies and sacred dances, so that's another aspect of them. The dolls are not considered sacred and are given to children and young women during ceremonies so that they may learn about the religion.
    Awesome, thank you!
    No problem!

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Artists and makers

A:shiwi (Zuni Pueblo)

1,299 works in the collection