Hopi Pueblo Morning Singer Kachina Doll

Late 20th Century

15″ H Including Feathers x 5.75″ L x 7.375″ W

Hand Carved from Cottonwood Root and Adorned with Fabric, Felt, String, Yarn, 2 Gold Bells, Downy Feathers and 2 Other Types of Feathers

In Very Good Condition

An Early Morning Singer (also known as Talavai or Morning Singer Katsina), a traditional figure in Hopi culture.This Kachina represents dawn or early morning. It appears during ceremonies like the Bean Dance (Powamuya), often on rooftops in Hopi villages. The figure sings songs, rings bells, and awakens the people, sometimes announcing news or bringing fir/spruce trees from the mountains. It symbolizes the start of the day, prayer, song, and community awakening. Traditional characteristics include: A mask (often blue with red ears, cloud symbols, cylindrical mouth). Feathers (commonly eagle or turkey feathers in a headdress or halo around the head, plus additional ones on top/sides/back). Bells (frequently attached to knees, held in hand, or wornyour mention of 2 gold bells fits well, as bells are a key identifier for ringing to wake the village). Breechcloth, ruff/necklace, and sometimes a blanket or cape. Dynamic pose suggesting movement or singing/swaying.