Hopi Pueblo Kachina Sash

20th Century

83" L x 3.375" W + 9.5" L Fringe x 2

Hand Woven in Red, Green, and Black Colors with Strips and a Geometric Design Down the Center with Fringe on Each End

In Very Good Condition

The Hopi Pueblo Kachina sash (also called a rain sash, ceremonial sash, or brocaded dance sash) is a significant traditional garment in Hopi culture, primarily associated with Katsina (or Kachina) dances and ceremonies.

These sashes are handwoven, typically by Hopi men, using cotton (often homespun or white cotton string) as the base, with brocaded or embroidered designs incorporating wool yarns in colors like red, black, green, blue, and others. They are wide (often 3–11 inches or more) and very long (frequently 70–100 inches or longer), with long fringes at the ends.

The fringes represent falling rain, and the swaying motion during dances mimics rain clouds or precipitation, symbolizing prayers for moisture in the arid Southwest.