• Visual Arts

    Kachinas of the Southwest: Dances, Dolls, and Rain

    BYU Museum of Peoples and Cultures

    April 23, 2008-April 23, 2009

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    A new exhibition, Kachinas of the Southwest: Dances, Dolls, and Rain opened at the Museum of Peoples and Cultures and explores the Pueblo people's Kachina tradition, which is based on their belief in spiritual beings that exist in everything. Although these spirits are represented in various ways, dancing and dolls are the most common forms. 'It's a very different culture,' said Adrien Mooney, a BYU anthropology student and a co-curator of the exhibit. 'Most people are familiar with what Kachinas look like because they have seen them before, but very few know what they represent or their significance in the people of the Southwest's beliefs.' Kachina dancers, dressed in ceremonial masks and costumes, bring dolls to give to the children during annual ceremonies. Each doll is made from cottonwood root in the likeness of a specific Kachina. These dolls help the children recognize and learn about the numerous types of Kachina spirits and the important cultural life lessons they teach. Kachinas vary greatly in their appearances, names, and purposes. Though the Kachina dancers are solely men, the Kachina spirits themselves are not. Some of the most important Kachinas are female and can be identified by their unique features. Kachina maidens often have their hair done up in two buns, one on each side of their head, called whorls and wear traditional women's clothing and shawls.

    • Ticket Info

      Tickets: To Be Announced

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    • Dates & Times

      Dates:
      April 23, 2008-April 23, 2009

      Times:
      Monday-Friday 9:00am-5:00pm

    • Venue Info

      BYU Museum of Peoples and Cultures

      700 North 100 East Provo, UT 84606

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    • Locations

      Greater Salt Lake

    • Accessibility Info

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