Mau-i (A:shiwi (Zuni Pueblo)). <em>Kachina Doll (Tsepothle)</em>, late 19th–early 20th century. Wood, pigment, fur, feathers, cotton cloth, wool yarn, 17 5/16 x 5 1/2 x 5 7/8 in. (44 x 14 x 14.9 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Museum Expedition 1904, Museum Collection Fund, 04.297.5341. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 04.297.5341_transp6235.jpg)

Mau-i (A:shiwi (Zuni Pueblo)). Kachina Doll (Tsepothle), late 19th–early 20th century. Wood, pigment, fur, feathers, cotton cloth, wool yarn, 17 5/16 x 5 1/2 x 5 7/8 in. (44 x 14 x 14.9 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Museum Expedition 1904, Museum Collection Fund, 04.297.5341. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 04.297.5341_transp6235.jpg)

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What were they used for?

The Kachina dolls were used to instruct children on the various Kachina spirits. They represent were different spirits, each of which brought specific good things to the community like rain, healthy crops, fertility/births.

The Kachina dolls were hung inside the home, where they helped children to learn and remember the distinguishing features of each kachina spirit. At certain times of year, adult men dressed in similar regalia, impersonating these spirits -- and they performed ritual dances for the community, petitioning the spirits for rainfall, good health, and new births of animals and children. In Zuni and Hopi religion they believe that the men actually become the portrayed messenger from the gods when they wear the specific Kachina identity. Thus the actual masks and clothing are sacred and not shown. The dolls may be shown as they are only representations.

Kachina Doll (Tsepothle)

Arts of the Americas

In the southwestern United States, a supernatural being that represents a life-force or embodies a natural phenomenon such as the sun, the moon, a plant, or an animal is called a koko by the Zuni and a katsina (commonly anglicized as “kachina”) by the Hopi. Such beings have the power to control rainfall, crop growth, and fertility; to cure and protect; and to act as messengers between the gods and human beings. Carved kachina figures, also known as kachina dolls, are representations of these spirits and can have a sacred or an educational purpose. During some ceremonies, the carvings are given to community members to reward virtuous behavior, recognize a recent marriage, or teach children about religion. In the 1800s, a lively market for the carvings developed among non-Native collectors and tourists, giving rise to the elaborate art form that flourishes today.

MAKERS Mau-i, A:shiwi (Zuni Pueblo); (assistant) Tsu-na, A:shiwi (Zuni Pueblo)

MEDIUM Wood, pigment, fur, feathers, cotton cloth, wool yarn

DATES late 19th–early 20th century

DIMENSIONS 17 5/16 x 5 1/2 x 5 7/8 in. (44 x 14 x 14.9 cm) (show scale)

COLLECTIONS Arts of the Americas

ACCESSION NUMBER 04.297.5341

CREDIT LINE Museum Expedition 1904, Museum Collection Fund

CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION This kachina is one of a group that was made by commission and has not been clearly identified. He wears the usual dance skirt, has painted dance shoes, and a fur ruff around his neck with a feathered headdress. His snout is in the shape of a wolf or coyote showing teeth along the edges, and his eyes protrude in balls. CONDITION: Proper left arm has been broken and repaired at forearm. Proper right arm has been broken and repaired at elbow. Feathers show insect damage.

EXHIBITIONS

MUSEUM LOCATION This item is not on view

CAPTION Mau-i (A:shiwi (Zuni Pueblo)). Kachina Doll (Tsepothle), late 19th–early 20th century. Wood, pigment, fur, feathers, cotton cloth, wool yarn, 17 5/16 x 5 1/2 x 5 7/8 in. (44 x 14 x 14.9 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Museum Expedition 1904, Museum Collection Fund, 04.297.5341. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 04.297.5341_transp6235.jpg)

IMAGE overall, 04.297.5341_transp6235.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph

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RIGHTS STATEMENT Creative Commons-BY

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What were they used for?

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Kachina Doll (Tsepothle)

Arts of the Americas

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