Doheny Memorial Library, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0189 Public Domain. Release under the CC BY Attribution license--http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/--Credit both “University of Southern California. Libraries” and “California Historical Society” as the source. Digitally reproduced by the USC Digital Library; From the California Historical Society Collection at the University of Southern California Send requests to address or e-mail given USC Libraries Special Collections specol@usc.edu
Description
Photograph of 3 Hopi Indian kachina dolls on display, ca.1900. Labels below the dolls identify them as: "Chovilawu Katchina Tihu", "Hemis-Ho Katchina Tihu", and "Awiri Katchina Tihu". "Chovilawu Katchina Tihu. -- The Chovilawu is one of the old sacred Katchinas of the Hopi and as far as known appears only on the evening of the fifth day of the Powama ceremony, when new members are initiated into the Powama Society, when he dances for a brief period after which he receives some prayer offerings which he takes to a shrine. During this dance he holds in his hand a 'pota', which consists of a number of segments which are sewn together and may be opened and folded like the leaves of a book. After the Initiation the young novices are especially charged to reveal nothing whatever about the Chovilawu Katchina. A wooden figurine of this Katchina forms a part of the Powamu altar (q.v. in another case). -- Oraibi, Arizona, 1900. No. 63807[?]. Presented by Mr. Stanley McCormick, Rev. H.A. Voth, collector." "Hemis-Ho Katchina Tihu. -- Very little is know about this Katchina. He occasionally appears with others on such occasions as the Powamu, Balolokon[?], and Numantu[?] when many different Katchinas dance on the streets of the village, go into the kivas, etc., which is called qoqontinumya. He carries in both hands a rod of yucca leaves, and as far as can be ascertained never appears with a Mana. -- Oraibi, Arizona, 1900. No. 63808[?]. Presented by Mr. Stanley McCormick, Rev. H.A. Voth, collector." "Awiri Katchina Tihu. -- The meaning of the name is obscure. He is said to come usually in two persons and fights the T[...]skutu (clowns) at certain Katchina dances. He does not sing but only says "Huuuuu" and keeps the head constantly in a wagging motion. The mask used to be made of an old yucca leaf tray[?]. The marks on the body represent stars. -- Oraibi, Arizona, 1900. No. 63809[?]. Presented by Mr. Stanley McCormick, Rev. H.A. Voth, collector."
Type
image
Format
2 photographs : glass photonegative, photoprints, b&w 17 x 22 cm. glass plate negatives photographic prints photographs
If you're wondering about permissions and what you can do with this item, a good starting point is the "rights information" on this page. See our terms of use for more tips.
Share your story
Has Calisphere helped you advance your research, complete a project, or find something meaningful? We'd love to hear about it; please send us a message.
