| Maker(s): | Ami, Aaron
| | Culture: | Native American; Hopi
| | Title: | White Bear (Kocha Honau) Kachina
| | Date Made: | 1960s-1970s
| | Type: | Sculpture
| | Materials: | cottonwood root, cloth, yarn, shells, string, feathers, fur, paint
| | Place Made: | United States; Northeast Arizona; Hopi Reservation,
| | Measurements: | height: 14 in.; 35.56 cm
| | Accession Number: | SC 1984.18.10
| | Credit Line: | Gift of Gladys E. Baker in memory of Louise F. Potter, class of 1944
| | Museum Collection: | Smith College Museum of Art
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Description:
The White Bear kachina is shown with a completely white head and body, decorated with painted black and red eyes and a carved mouth (with bared teeth and a red tongue). Atop his head is a small bundle of feathers. He has red ears with black "earrings," as well as a painted black pawprints visible beneath his white fur beard. His chest, painted with a black rectangle, incorporates two overlapping strands of shells. Each arm displays small arm bands and various bracelets (one made from black yarn). His hands, which feature turquoise rings on his fingers, hold a white gourd rattle (with a pawprint mark) and a bow with feathers. Around his waist is a belt that holds a black "pouch" decorated with cloud symbols and a white "kilt" accompanied by a detailed sash. As is common for kachinas, a fox pelt trails down his back and his legs, decorated with black yarn ties, include small red fringed shoes. He stands on top of a wooden platform, meaning that he was carved for the tourist trade. AP2018
Tags:
ceremonies; animals Link to share this object record:
https://museums.fivecolleges.edu/detail.php?t=objects&type=ext&id_number=SC+1984.18.10 |
