Many different styles of kachinas exist to provide different types of examples and guidance for the tribe.  Each type has a particular set of characteristics and a distinctive personality.  When impersonated, a costume, song style, and set of body movements are both repeated and unique.  Kachinas are traditional Hopi figures, but, Navajo carve them also.  Signed on the bottom "BB", "Sunface" and "05".  Each Navajo Kachina is individually handcrafted and hand painted. No two are alike in materials used or clothing. 

Most kachinas are considered benevolent friends.  The Sunface kachina represents many things including the sun's warmth, hope of shelter for the elderly, and a bright future full of playfulness for the young.  The sun is also essential for the growth of crops.  The Sunface kachina sometimes appears with the Morning Singer kachina in welcoming the sun as it rises above the horizon  This group will stand on housetops to perform their rituals.  The Sunface kachina also appears in winter dance ceremonies to pray for the sun's speedy return and in the Mixed Dances to celebrate his warmth and light.  The coloration of the Sunface kachina mask is important.  The top half of the mask represents the colors that appear at first light; the lover half of the mask represents the colors of the full sun after it has set.  The Sunface kachina, like many of the Hopi kachinas, represents a celestial body that the Hopi use as a guide for when to plant their very important life-sustaining crops.  Without the light and warmth that the sun radiates, all would perish. 

Measurements:  4" tall x 1 1/2" wide x 1" deep     The base is about 1" round

Questions???  Please ask before purchasing to avoid any misunderstandings.

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