Kachina/Katsina Doll :: essays research papers fc

We believe they (Kachina Dolls) ar personifications of the katsina spirits, originally created by the katsinam in their physical embodiment. ..."- Alph H. SecakukuTo understand the meaning of the kachina dolls, it is demand to understand Hopi culture, because one does not exist without the other. It has been found that the Hopis main ancestors were the Anasazi, a group of people who at about the time of Christ came to attend on agriculture. They represent various beings, from animals to clouds. They atomic number 18 believed to be in several(prenominal) form of hierarchy, a form of kingdom.Kachina dolls be depictions of masquerade partyed men impersonating supernatural beings that predominate the Hopi, Zuni and Pueblo Spirit dances. These Spirits are believed to be descendants of a prehistoric people. They have lived in the Northern parts of New Mexico west into Arizona near Flagstaff for some fifteen hundred years. To awarding them they have m any(prenominal) sacred da nces throughout the year.The dolls which contain the kachina spirits are often given to children to remind them of their heritage and of their Gods. However, the Kachina Dolls are not adept toys, but objects to be treasured and studied. Through these dolls they learn about Kachinas as part of their religious t rainwatering and background.In Pueblo Indian religious practice, any of more than 500 divine ancestral spirits who act as intermediaries between man and god. They will allow themselves to be seen by the alliance if the men properly perform a traditional ritual era wearing kachina masks. The spirit painted or carven on the mask is thought to be actually present with the performer, temporarily transforming him into a Kachina spirit.The individualism of the spirit is render not by the form of the doll, which is usually easy and flat, but primarily by the applied color and elaborate feather, leather, and, occasionally, theoretical account ornamentation of its mask. Also the identity of a true Kachina doll is depicted and then mould of cottonwood root. One of the purposes is to help bring the rain for the crops to grow and since the cottonwood is always found near water, the Kachinas are forge from its roots. The roots from which the dolls are carved are chosen with care, since they are seen to draw life and precious moisture from the earth.Very few dolls were carved out of a single piece of wood. The arms and legs and head were carved separately and glued to the torso.