Kachina Doll (Tsepothle)
Mau-i; (assistant) Tsu-na
1 of 2
Object Label
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.
Caption
Mau-i (A:shiwi (Zuni Pueblo)); (assistant) Tsu-na (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. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Makers
Title
Kachina Doll (Tsepothle)
Date
late 19th–early 20th century
Medium
Wood, pigment, fur, feathers, cotton cloth, wool yarn
Classification
Dimensions
17 5/16 x 5 1/2 x 5 7/8 in. (44 x 14 x 14.9 cm)
Credit Line
Museum Expedition 1904, Museum Collection Fund
Accession Number
04.297.5341
Frequent Art Questions
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.
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