Hopi Pueblo Bird Kachina Doll By Marlinya Amaokoya

ca. 1960

9" H x 5.125" L x 3.625" W

Hand Carved from Cottonwood Root Holding a Teal Rattle and a Green Fuzzy Plant Leaf and Adorned with Yarn, String, Synthetic Fur, Felt, Feathers and Fur and Dangling Pompoms from His Arms and a Yellow Beak Nose

In Very Good Condition Missing One Pompom

The Bird Kachina is a broad category. In Hopi tradition many bird-related katsinam, such as Kwahu (Eagle Kachina) a powerful messenger associated with strength, vision, and prayer for rain.  Kyash (Parrot or Macaw Kachina) is linked to summer growth and colorful abundance.  Other bird figures like hummingbird (Tocha), woodpecker, or more generic bird-beaked forms (sometimes called Avatshoya or similar).

These dolls vary in style depending on the era (traditional, old-style, or contemporary sculptural) and the individual carver's interpretation. Features include beaks, feathers, wings, and symbolic colors.