Native American, Southwestern United States, Hopi Pueblo, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. A functional rattle in the form of the Mudhead kachina, also known as Koysemi, made from a dried gourd with a cottonwood handle and leather strap. Wooden knobs were added to the gourd as the kachina's characteristic facial features, and the surface is painted a red-brown, to symbolize the iron rich earth / clay. AS the name suggests, the Mudhead kachinas are covered in mud to represent the first primordial people that emerged from the earth, coming up through a portal or hole in the kiva dirt floor. In performances, the these are the Kachinas that entertain the audience, especially the children present by singing and dancing. Size: 14" L x 6" Diameter (35.6 cm x 15.2 cm)

Please note this item falls under the Safeguard Tribal Objects of Patrimony Act and is not eligible for international shipping. Native American, Alaska Native, & Native Hawaiian objects are only eligible to ship within the United States.

Provenance: private Alamo, California, USA collection, acquired in 1968

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#180344

Chips and flaking to the surface pigments. Still functions as a rattle. Good condition.