Kachina Doll (Tam-lam Kushokta)
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Caption
A:shiwi (Zuni Pueblo). Kachina Doll (Tam-lam Kushokta), late 19th century. Hide, cotton, pigment, fur, hair, yucca, wood, metal, wool, 19 x 6 x 4 3/4in. (48.3 x 15.2 x 12.1cm) Other: 19 x 6 x 4 3/4in. (48.3 x 15.2 x 12.1cm). Brooklyn Museum, Museum Expedition 1903, Museum Collection Fund, 03.325.4653. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 03.325.4653_SL1.jpg)
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Culture
Title
Kachina Doll (Tam-lam Kushokta)
Date
late 19th century
Medium
Hide, cotton, pigment, fur, hair, yucca, wood, metal, wool
Classification
Dimensions
19 x 6 x 4 3/4in. (48.3 x 15.2 x 12.1cm) Other: 19 x 6 x 4 3/4in. (48.3 x 15.2 x 12.1cm)
Credit Line
Museum Expedition 1903, Museum Collection Fund
Accession Number
03.325.4653
Rights
Creative Commons-BY
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Frequent Art Questions
I'm curious if these statues have significance as religious objects or were just artistic objects created to sell (since kachinas are usually worn as costumes ceremonially).
Kachina dolls are used to teach children about religion in Zuni and Hopi Pueblo Native American culture. Kachinas are thought to embody the spirit of a living thing and when called upon, they will evoke the power of whatever spirit they represented, such as an eagle. They are also represented by men in costume during ceremonies and sacred dances, so that's another aspect of them. The dolls are not considered sacred and are given to children and young women during ceremonies so that they may learn about the religion.Awesome, thank you!No problem!
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