Dig It - 1/12/23
Looking for a late 19th Century Kachina? Well Fellow Seekers, this what they look like. This is a Hemis Katsina or Kachina, whichever you prefer. This Kachina comes from Jemez Pueblo. Kachina were introduced by the Hopi sometime in the Late 17th century when villagers from Jemez fled to Hopi fearing reprisals from the Spanish after the Pueblo Revolt.
The Hemis Kachina features prominently in the Hopi Home Coming or Niman Ceremony, when the Kachinas leave the Hopi villages and return to their home in the San Francisco Peaks. The Hemis kachina wears a mask with a Tablita attached. The tablita is decorated phallic symbols of sprouting plants, rainbows, clouds and mountains which are all symbols of fecundity and fertility to celebrate the coming harvest.
As far as dating kachina dolls, this particular example illustrates two early traits. The first is the use of native made pigments. The second is that his kilt, or skirt, has been “carved up” to separate it from the doll’s legs. These early carvings have a special magical or supernatural quality about them. This piece is for sale. If you are interested, please send me a message or call me at 505 983 2652.