Hopi Kachina Hemis Doll, 31"

Mid 20th Century

31'' H

Very Large Hopi Indian Hand Carved and Painted Cottonwood and a J.L. Hubbell Trading post Token

Excellent Condition

Part of the Hubbell Trading Post Collection.  Very large Katsina Dolls such as this were often kept by the Trading Posts and not sold as they made superb display items as very few were ever made.

Hemis Kachina (Katsina) brings abundance, hope and good fortune.  He is one of the most important and beautiful Hopi kachinas.

The Hopi say that during a great drought, they heard singing and dancing coming from the San Francisco Peaks.  Upon investigation, they met the Kachinas who returned with the Hopi to their villages and taught them various forms of agriculture.  The Hopi believe that for six months of the year, Kachina spirits live in the Hopi villages.  The nine day Niman or Going Home ceremony concludes the Kachina season with an outdoor Kachina Dance where the line of Kachinas bring harvest gifts for the spectators and Kachina dolls for the young children.  Different sets of Kachinas perform and most favored is the Hemis group of Kachinas who perform accompanied by a variety of Kachina manas.  After the Going Home Dance in late-July or early-August, the Kachinas return to the San Francisco Peaks for six months.  The Hopi believe that these dances are vital for the continued harmony and balance of the world.  It serves the further and vital purpose of bringing rain to the Hopi's parched homeland.