Hopi Kachinas

Five stars and a standing ovation to Kiva Publishing for bringing back a classic. Perhaps the current publisher, Stephen W. Hill, said it best: "With this publication, we hope to introduce the ceremonial cycle of the kachinas to a broader public, with the hope that greater understanding and appreciation of these rituals will contribute to the preservation of the culture that produced them." This revival of the original (1938) and reprint (1971) has been historically and beautifully reprinted in 2002. Dr Kennard shares personal observations from his time on the Hopi mesas. His writing style is a breath of fresh air from the (early) days of "scholarly reviews". Kennard captures and holds the reader. This is the only book that records the TRUE meaning of kachina ceremonies and dances. There is no other text like it in print. The kachina's critical role in Hopi life, the materials used in various kachinas' wardrobes and a review of the annual dance cycle are included. The 28 full color / full page illustrations by Edwin Earle are absolutely beautiful. The book is not large ... only 39 pages of text, but it is one which I would HIGHLY recommend to any student of the Hopi and to all collectors of Hopi katsinam (kachina dolls). Add this one to your library!

Originally published in 1938, Hopi Kachinas is a classic reference illustrated in full color by Edwin Earle and written by Dr. Edward Kennard. Dr. Kennard lived on the Hopi Mesas for a full year a witnessed the cycle of their kachina dances and selected the carefully painted, superbly presented illustrations of the Native American ceremonies. Dr. Kennard's informative text explains the role of kachinas in Hopi life, the nature of the dance, and more. A superb look into a unique portion of Native American culture and one that has rightfully survived the test of time, Hopi Kachinas is a core addition to Native American Studies reference collections.