Kachina

A kachina (/kəˈtʃiːnə/; Hopi: katsina [kaˈtsʲina], plural katsinim [kaˈtsʲinim]) is a spirit being in the religious beliefs of the Pueblo people, Native American cultures located in the south-western part of the United States.

The central theme of kachina beliefs and practices as explained by Wright (2008) is "the presence of life in all objects that fill the universe.

"[citation needed] The first ceremony of the year, the Powamu, occurs in February and is associated with the bean planting, the growing season, and coming of age.

The last katsina ceremony, Niman, occurs in July and is associated with the harvest, after which the katsinam return to their home in the San Francisco Peaks.

Hopi carvers alter these, removing their religious meaning, to meet the demand for decorative commercial objects sought by non-Hopi.

[clarification needed] The Hopis have built their cult into a more elaborate rite, and seem to have a greater sense of drama and artistry than the Zunis.

Masked members of the tribe dress up as kachinas for religious ceremonies that take place many times throughout the year.

These ceremonies are social occasions for the village, where friends and relatives are able to come from neighboring towns to see the dance and partake in the feasts that are always prepared.

Their prominent role is to amuse the audience during the extended periods of the outdoor celebrations and Kachina Dances where they perform as jesters or circus clowns.

The presence of clowns in the morality play makes people more receptive to the messages of proper social convention and encourages a crucial human trait: a keen sense of humor.

The sacred functions of the clowns are relatively private, if not held secret by the Hopi, and as a result have received less public exposure.

When observing the preparations taking place in a Kiva of a number of Pai'yakyamu clowns getting ready for their ceremonial performance, Alexander Stephen was told, "We Koyala [Koshari] are the fathers of all Kachina.

These figurines are given to children not as toys, but as objects to be treasured and studied so that the young Hopis may become familiar with the appearance of the kachinas as part of their religious training.