Hopi Eagle Kachina
The bald eagle is the most important bird to the Hopi, as it represents strength and power, serves as a messenger between the heavens and the earth and embodies the spirits of the Hopi ancestors.
The dancer in this eagle kachina wears a white and black painted mask within the eagle’s head, his arms are held outstretched to simulate the smooth gliding flight of the bravest and strongest bird in the skies. The kachina’s arms and bustle are covered with rabbit fur and feathers (turkey feathers in place of eagle feathers). Carved from cottonwood and decorated with paint, cloth, feathers, fur and string the doll stands on a circular wooden base; late 20th century, 11 inches wide, 8 ½ inches tall.
The bald eagle is the most important bird to the Hopi, as it represents strength and power, serves as a messenger between the heavens and the earth and embodies the spirits of the Hopi ancestors.
The dancer in this eagle kachina wears a white and black painted mask within the eagle’s head, his arms are held outstretched to simulate the smooth gliding flight of the bravest and strongest bird in the skies. The kachina’s arms and bustle are covered with rabbit fur and feathers (turkey feathers in place of eagle feathers). Carved from cottonwood and decorated with paint, cloth, feathers, fur and string the doll stands on a circular wooden base; late 20th century, 11 inches wide, 8 ½ inches tall.
The bald eagle is the most important bird to the Hopi, as it represents strength and power, serves as a messenger between the heavens and the earth and embodies the spirits of the Hopi ancestors.
The dancer in this eagle kachina wears a white and black painted mask within the eagle’s head, his arms are held outstretched to simulate the smooth gliding flight of the bravest and strongest bird in the skies. The kachina’s arms and bustle are covered with rabbit fur and feathers (turkey feathers in place of eagle feathers). Carved from cottonwood and decorated with paint, cloth, feathers, fur and string the doll stands on a circular wooden base; late 20th century, 11 inches wide, 8 ½ inches tall.