North America | Arizona
Kachina Doll
Arizona
Presumably Poos’hum Katsina – Seed Kachina doll (variant)
Hopi
Carved wood (cottonwood) and pigments
Circa 1940-1950
Height: 7 ½ in. – 19 cm
Ex private collection, California
Poss'hum Kachina doll 19 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 pedagogical tool allowing them to familiarize themselves with the spiritual world and perpetuating knowledge of the founding myths on which their society was based.
As stated by the Brooklyn Museum, Poos’hum Kachinas appear during the spring planting season (Hakitoonmuya). They bring seeds of all kinds that have been blessed by the gods. Sometimes Poos’hum Kachinas are also called upon to help with the sprouting of young seedlings. The markings on this doll’s cheeks represent corn seeds.
As stated by the Brooklyn Museum, Poos’hum Kachinas appear during the spring planting season (Hakitoonmuya). They bring seeds of all kinds that have been blessed by the gods. Sometimes Poos’hum Kachinas are also called upon to help with the sprouting of young seedlings. The markings on this doll’s cheeks represent corn seeds.
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