Nuvak'china (Snow Kachina)

This classic antique kachina doll is the Nuvak or Snow Kachina—he brings cold weather and snow in the winter for the Hopi People. In the Southwest desert, the annual snow pack is the source of much of the water in rivers and springs, thus Nuvak is associated with water and also with Avanyu, the Water Serpent. Novak appears in the Winter Dances, but may also be seen in the Spring Dances, with Avanyu.

This very old kachina doll is decorated with snow cloud symbols above the eyes, and the back of the head is striped in light blue up into the very top and into the white feather headdress. The kilt sash is painted in faithful detail. Made of cottonwood, string, and paint, circa 1900 - 1916, 7 ½ inches tall.