North America | Arizona
Kachina doll
Arizona
Poos’hum Katsina – Seed Kachina doll
Hopi
Carved wood (cottonwood) and natural pigments
Circa 1910
Height: 11 ¾ in. – 29.5 cm
Provenance
Ex collection Steve Nelson, USA
Ex private collection, California
Ex collection Galerie Flak
Ex collection François Meyer, Geneva
Pooshum Kachina 29.5 cm François Meyer / Galerie Flak
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, the Poos'hum Kachina appears during the spring planting season (Hakitoonmuya). This kachina brought various seeds blessed by the gods. Sometimes, Poos'hum is also called upon to aid in the germination of young plants. The step-like markings on its cheeks represent corn kernels.
As stated by the Brooklyn Museum, the Poos'hum Kachina appears during the spring planting season (Hakitoonmuya). This kachina brought various seeds blessed by the gods. Sometimes, Poos'hum is also called upon to aid in the germination of young plants. The step-like markings on its cheeks represent corn kernels.
Explore the entire collection
