North America | Arizona
Kachina Doll
Arizona
Ma’alo Katsina – The Stick Kachina doll
Hopi
Circa 1900-20s
Carved wood (cottonwood root), pigments
Height: 10 ½ in. – 26.5 cm
Ex collection John C. Hill, Arizona
Maalo Kachina doll 26.5 cm / Galerie Flak
Price on request
Kachina dolls (or katsinam) represent spirits or gods from the pantheon of the Pueblo peoples in the American Southwest. Given to children, kachina dolls constituted a teaching tool allowing them to familiarize themselves with the spiritual world and perpetuating knowledge of the founding myths on which their society was based.
Ma’alo Katsina (Stick Kachina) dances were popular at the beginning of the 20th century, and became less frequent after the 1910s-1920s.
On Second and Third Mesas, Ma’alo performed during the Night Dances in March, and during dances held on the plazas from March through June.
On First Mesa, they performed with Niman Kachina. Ma’alo Kachina dance portrays a prayer for rain and good crop yield.
Ma’alo Katsina (Stick Kachina) dances were popular at the beginning of the 20th century, and became less frequent after the 1910s-1920s.
On Second and Third Mesas, Ma’alo performed during the Night Dances in March, and during dances held on the plazas from March through June.
On First Mesa, they performed with Niman Kachina. Ma’alo Kachina dance portrays a prayer for rain and good crop yield.
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