Kachina Doll - Hopi Indians, Arizona - Circa 1920-1940

Kachina DOLL representing the Koyemsi Clown
Also known as Kachina Tête de Boue (Mud head)
Hopi Indians, Arizona 
Circa 1920-1940
Cottonwood, pigments, leather and fabric
H. 20.3 cm; L 9 cm
(old accident)

This reddish-brown ochre-pigmented monoxyle wood doll has a hooded mask with three globular protuberances and a body covered in mud. Her arms are mobile and she wears a white-pigmented, fringed skin kilt around her waist.

Koyemsi is a key figure in Hopi ritual dances: his arrogant, playful behaviour provokes the guardians of law and order - the Kachina Guardians and Warriors - into a game full of humour and energy. 

Kachina dolls were given to children at the end of ceremonial dances. They would take them home and hang them on the wall, teaching them about the pantheon of divinities.

Reference H. S. Colton, Hopi Kachina Dolls, N°59.

Provenance: Former private collection in Paris, France.

Text and photos © FCP CORIDON

Ref : 5308