Navajo Kachina Hopi 4 Eagles Doll

Late 20th Century

5" H x 9.125" L 

Hand Carved from Cottonwood Root with Four Eagle Dancers in Procession

Excellent Condition

Kachinas (or katsinam) are supernatural beings in Hopi religion that embody elements of nature, ancestors, and ceremonies. Dolls (tithu) are carved from cottonwood root to teach children (especially girls) about these spirits. They appear in dances like the Solstice Parade or Soyohim Dances, where eagle kachinas perform to pray for rain, hunting success, and eagle population growth. Eagles (Kwahu) are revered as honored guests—Hopi people historically raised young eagles, then released their spirits with prayers after death, using feathers in rituals.

The Eagle Kachina rules the skies, oversees other kachinas, and carries prayers upward. It's a war symbol of power but primarily aids the people. Dolls often depict the eagle in a dynamic pose (e.g., one foot lifted, wings spread) with a beak, feathers, and traditional attire.