Dig It - 7/24/25
Say Hey Fellow Seekers, today we are going to look at some very unusual, turn of the last century kachinas. Are these not the coolest? I would have to say, "Yes, they are!" These two kachinas were made between 1890 and 1910, and are part of a related group of very elaborate dressed carvings probably made exclusively for consumption by outsiders.
The first one is Tasaf Yebitchai kachina, based on the Navajo Yei, “Talking God," and is the Yei leader. He has a corn plant on the center front of the mask and ears of corn for ears. This god harkens back to the 17th century, when Pueblo and Navajo cultures appear to have come in contact more often and exchanged things like farming and religious beliefs.
The second Hopi carving is a clown, technically not a kachina, but certainly found at the kachina dances. Clowns regulate the mood at Pueblo ceremonies, making fun if it is too serious, and demanding attention if it is not serious enough. They also bring up social issues and comments about people and issues facing the Pueblo. This clown wears a silver buttoned bandolier pouch and a silver concha belt. Come on down; presently Old Lonesome has lots of great early Kachina dolls for sale!
