This old kachina is the Hopi representation of the Tiwenu Kachina, who is thought to be in its turn a representation of a spirit from “an Eastern Pueblo”, perhaps the Keres Pueblo of Laguna. Tiwenu kachina dolls are very rare, as the kachina has been retired and no longer appears in ceremonial dances.
Made from cottonwood, Tiwenu’s face, with a long animal snout, is black on the bottom, green above, painted with natural pigments. On the headdress, above a red and black brim, is a simple stepped tablita with black tadpoles swimming upwards on the front and back. The body is painted orange and yellow. A very special kachina doll. Circa 1900 -1920, 8 ½ inches tall.
This old kachina is the Hopi representation of the Tiwenu Kachina, who is thought to be in its turn a representation of a spirit from “an Eastern Pueblo”, perhaps the Keres Pueblo of Laguna. Tiwenu kachina dolls are very rare, as the kachina has been retired and no longer appears in ceremonial dances.
Made from cottonwood, Tiwenu’s face, with a long animal snout, is black on the bottom, green above, painted with natural pigments. On the headdress, above a red and black brim, is a simple stepped tablita with black tadpoles swimming upwards on the front and back. The body is painted orange and yellow. A very special kachina doll. Circa 1900 -1920, 8 ½ inches tall.
