201009-050 Hopi Kachina / Katsina Doll: HON / Bear by Marvin Polacca; Tew/Hopi; Polacca, AZ
8 1/4" high incl. base
Hand carved from Cottonwood Root.
Late 20th century.
Bear by noted carver Marvin Polacca; Tewa/Hopi; Polacca, AZ.
Hon Kachina
The Bear Kachina is of such great strength that it is felt he can cure the sick. He appears in the kachina return or Soyal of First Mesa as the watchman or side dancer for the Chakwaina. In this role he appears a little different that he does in this illustration. He may come singly or in a group during the Palolokong Dance, and he may appear in a number of colors such as Sakwa Honau (Blue Bear) or Kocha Honau (White Bear). Probably he is most familiar in the Mixed Kachina Dance, dancing outside the lines. His most distinctive features is the presence of a bear footprint on either cheek.
Due to the fragile nature of kachina dolls, we do not guarantee they will not break during shipping. We do our best to pack them well, but due to their fragile nature and even with the best packing, small pieces can break. If you are purchasing kachina dolls, please keep this in mind.