Hopi Chakwaina kachina - Arizona, United States

Description

Powerful Hopi Chakwaina kachina with expressive look, recognisable by its protruding red tongue, broad wing-shaped ears and striped horns. An impressive collectible that exudes the menace and strength of the warrior spirit.

Origin & meaning
The Chakwaina is one of the most famous Hopi kachinas and appears as a warrior and disciplinarian during winter dances. His role is to maintain order and discipline within the community. The outstretched tongue symbolises his menace, while the original polychrome paint with black, red and yellow emphasises the ceremonial intensity. This doll served as an educational and spiritual object within Hopi culture.

Dimensions & condition
Height 38 cm, width 25 cm, depth 7 cm.
Condition: signs of use appropriate to age, original paint and details largely intact.
Provenance: Veilinghuis de Zwaan (2024).

Product photographs show the object on offer exactly as photographed. Any interior images are AI-generated impressions, included solely to illustrate scale and presentation.