Kachina doll featuring Qoi'a (Spirit of the Ancient Navajo) - Lot 1

Kachina doll featuring Qoi'a (Spirit of the Ancient Navajo) Hopi, Arizona Cottonwood root, pigments H. 17 cm Provenance : - Ex John C. Hill collection, Scottsdale, USA This touching carved figure is a representation of the Kachina spirit Qoi'a (sometimes spelled Kaua or Quoia). Qoi'a, during her ceremonial appearances, sings in the Navajo language. The Kachina Qoi'a is described and illustrated as early as 1903 in the book "Hopi Katcinas, drawn by native artists" by Walter J. Fewkes (plate XXXIV, Smithsonian Institution). The Hopi believe that the dance of a spirit depicting the Navajo attracts good fortune to the entire village and captures some of the warrior power of these neighbors. Status report: As used and aged, some pigment loss on surface, traces of moisture on right ear.