Carnegie Museum of Natural History

One of the Four Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh

katsina

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Spirits called katsinas

Katsina dolls
Katsinas found in Alcoa Foundation Hall of American Indians at Carnegie Museum of Natural History

For about six months each year, spirits called katsinas come to live with the Hopi on their mesa tops. Each figure is identified by its own individual character, costume, song, or dance.

(Photo by Hayley Pontia)

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Prickly Pear Katsina

Katsina doll made from a prickly pear cactus

This Katsina was made by members of the Hopi tribe. Katsina dolls are representations of benevolent spirits.

This doll is wearing the fruit and leaves of the prickly pear cactus, an edible wild plant, on its head.

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Hopi Katsina doll

Whipper, Hopi Katsina doll

This Hopi Katsina doll was collected in 1900 and is called Whipper. Katsina dolls are representations of benevolent spirits.