Native American Hopi Carved Kokopelli Fertility Kachina Doll (Katsina Doll)

Description

Native American Hopi Carved Kokopelli Fertility Katsina Doll by Carlton Timms

The Humpback Flute Player (Kokopelli) is an engaging image that originated in ancient Paleo-America and was brought into the present by the Pueblo Indians. This classic figure of a bent over being playing a flute has been associated with shamanism and supernatural qualities. Kokopelli is a magical being who, by playing his flute, calls the clouds to make rain. Today, the Hopi play flutes over the springs to attract rain. Kokopelli is also a symbol for fertility because he carries seeds and mist in his hump. He is mischievous when it comes to seducing young maidens! The Navajo counterpart to Kokopelli is the Humpback God who wears mountain sheep horns. His hump, which has eagle feathers radiating from it, contains seeds and mist. He carries a wand and is called the "God of Mist," "God of Plenty," or the "God of the Harvest." He is often portrayed with an image of corn. It is interesting to note that the hump, usually perceived as an abnormality or deformity, is considered special, even magical and transformative like fantastic creatures, such as unicorns, griffins, etc. Shamans are often deformed or have narrowly escaped physical death.