Butterfly Maiden Kachina 

This is a vintage flat, cradleboard style Butterfly Maiden kachina from the late 20th century. It was handcarved of cottonwood root, painted in many colors (front & back) & adorned with feathers. Wooden kachinas are traditionally gifted to Hopi girls as they grow up to assist in teaching them about the kachinas & their spiritual roles in Hopi culture. in this style. Flat kachinas, called putsqa'tihu, are given to the youngest girls as they are more durable. The first doll they are given is the Grandmother Kachina, and the second is always a maiden. Afterwards any doll may be given. This handmade doll is unsigned. It measures approx 10" H x 5.5" W x 1.5" D. It can be hung on the wall by a string at the neck. This is a nice, larger example of the craft. 

Very Good to Good condition. This is missing the tiny feathers that would have originally been at the ends of the tableta & it shows distressing from age & possible use. Some of the paint has flaked off, but it seems pretty stable overall & adds to the charm of the vintage look.

PP