Shalako kachina - Hopi - 33 cm - Ben Spangberg collection

Description

This kachina (height 33 cm, width 8.5 cm, depth 7 cm) is a fine example of Hopi sculpture. He wears a tall, rectangular headdress with colourful motifs and feathers, typical of the Shalako figures who act as messengers during winter ceremonies. The yellow-black painting, accents in red and green and detailed face painting reinforce his ritualistic character.

Origin & meaning:
Shalako kachinas fulfil a ceremonial role as messengers between humans and the spirit world. They appear during important rituals celebrating fertility, rain and harmony. This specimen comes from the collection of Amsterdam architect Ben Spangberg (1929-2024), who collected his pieces between 1960 and 1980, a period when much Hopi art came to Europe.

Dimensions:
Height 33 cm (including plinth), width 8.5 cm, depth 7 cm.