HEMIS KACHINA BY ROBERT PLATERO NAVAJO

Description

This Hemis Kachina is wonderfully carved out of wood.  Hand made by Robert Platero.  A great addition to your Native American art or kachina collection.  Signed

11  3/4″ tall x 4  5/8” long x 4  1/2” wide

Artist card included

The Hemis Kachina is probably the best known and most beautiful of all Hopi Katsinas.  His elaborate headdress, called a tableta, is partly responsible for his height and beauty.  The tableta, which can be half the size of the body, is painted with phallic and cloud symbols and capped with feathers. Evergreen sprigs appear above the neckline of the dancer. He appears in certain Hopi ceremonies, particularly the Home Dance or Niman Ceremony.  No other kachinas, neither clowns nor side dancers, appear with the line of the Hemis Kachinas, except the Hemis Manas.  The Manas are often the town elders who create the beat of the dance with rasping sticks, drums, and gourds.  They make frog-like sounds that are intended to resemble thunder in the distance.

Additional information