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Kachina Doll
Arizona
Mongwu Katsina – Owl kachina doll
Hopi
Carved cottonwoodand pigments
Circa 1940
Height : 8 ¼ in. (21 cm)
Sold
This doll represents Mongwu Mana, or the Owl kachina female spirit. Birds have always played a central role in Hopi ceremonies. According to Hopi mythology, at the beginning of the world, birds gave the first men the key to certain universal mysteries, allowing them to emerge from the Underworld. Birds continue to play the role of counselors for humans, interceding for them with spirits and divinities. Finally, birds are associated with the worship of water: by remaining close to birds and observing them, the Hopi are assured of locating sources of water, and thus of protecting themselves
from drought.
The Owl kachina incarnates justice and wisdom. It plays the role of the keeper of order in ceremonies, especially against clown kachinas. The latter indeed often try to upset the sequence of dances by provoking other dancers or by distracting the attention of the spectators.
from drought.
The Owl kachina incarnates justice and wisdom. It plays the role of the keeper of order in ceremonies, especially against clown kachinas. The latter indeed often try to upset the sequence of dances by provoking other dancers or by distracting the attention of the spectators.
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