Kachinas : A Hopi Artist's Documentary

First published in 1973, this publication adds an important chapter to the body of work that brings Kachina art and scholarship together.

The 237 Kachina paintings beautifully, descriptively rendered by Hopi artist Clifford Bahnimptewa (1938-1984), are part of the permanent collection of the Heard Museum (Pheonix).

Born in the Hopi village of Old Oraibi on Third Mesa and a member of the Parrot Clan, Bahnimptewa learned to carve Katsina figures from his grandfather and his involvement in ceremonies helped the artist depict the figures in ceremonial motion.

Noted Kachina and Pueblo culture scholar Barton Wright has organised the book around the Hopi ceremonial calendar, beginning with the Winter Solstice Katsinas that mark the start of the Hopi year.

The Soyal ceremony marking the solstice presents the most important Katsina figures.

It is followed by the Powanu series that anticipates the growing season.

These are followed by ceremonies that initiate the young men and the initiation of children into the Katsina cult.

Winter and early spring night dances are followed by plaza dances that bring rain and fertility and commemorate special events in the villages with strong components of entertainment.

The Niman ceremony after the summer solstice closes the Katsina season when the Katsinas return to their mountain homes.

All of the painting collection has been newly photographed to the highest digital standards.