Action doll (māasaki'ytaqa)of the Hemis or Niman Kachina, which is the usual kachina featured in the Niman or Home Dance that closes the kachina season in July. The mask is characterized by a flat, thin, vertical piece of wood (a tablita) with a stepped shape representing clouds. Feathers and stalks of sand grass - a plant of moist places - adorn the lateral steps and a carved eagle tail feather arises from the central step. The tablita is painted with phallic, rainbow, and rain (black and white stripes) motifs. The ruff is of "spruce" (actually Douglas Fir) boughs. A rattle is carried in the right hand, and a clump of "spruce" in the left. The body is blackened with corn smut, and the interlocking crescent design on the breast and back is the symbol for friendship or brotherhood (nakwatsveni). Compare this doll with the picture of the real Hemis Kachinas during a Home Dance. (Author's collection. Carved by Ramon Albert. Height 18 inches)
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