Background for kachinas

kachinas

/kəˈtʃiːnəz/

Illustration kachinas - Image 1

noun

(Pueblo culture) A vaguely ancestral anthropomorphic spirit being, associated with clouds and rain or personifying the power in the sun, the earth or corn (among other things).

Examples :

"During the Hopi ceremony, dancers wearing colorful masks represented the kachinas, bringing blessings of rain and a bountiful harvest for the village. "

culture mythology religion tradition art

Illustration kachinas - Image 1

noun

(Pueblo culture) A wooden doll, as might be given to a child, which represents such a being.

Examples :

"During the Hopi ceremony, children received kachinas, beautifully carved wooden dolls representing ancestral spirits. "

culture mythology religion tradition art

Illustration kachinas - Image 1

noun

(Pueblo culture) A masked dancer who represents such a being in a ceremonial dance or masked ceremony.

Examples :

"During the Hopi ceremony, the kachinas danced in the village plaza, bringing blessings for rain and good crops. "

culture ritual mythology religion tradition dance person