201009-061 Kachina / Katsina Doll: Longhair by D. K. Y.
8 1/2" high
Kachina Doll, hand carved from Cottonwood Root.
Late 20th century
Both the Hopi and the Navajo carve this style of doll.
The purpose of the Longhair Katsinam is to provide rain to the Hopi villages. They arrive in the villages in groups, often accompanied by Yellow or White Corn Maidens. They sing beautiful melodies for all, carrying optimistic themes and messages encouraging living life to its fullest. A true beacon of positivity, Longhairs are cherished as favorites among the Hopi Katsinam.
In addition to raising spirits by way of song, Longhair Katsinam perform a dance that usually brings a pleasant rainfall to nourish the earth and help crops to grow.
Their appearance is largely symbolic of their role in society. Their long, flowing hair and beards, for example are representative of the rain they inspire to fall. Eagle fluffs are worn to symbolize cloud bursts as the source of that rain. Their backs are often adorned with feathers to represent prayers for rain.
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.