The Katcina altars in Hopi worship

Name: The Katcina altars in Hopi worship
Author: Jesse Walter Fewkes

By Jesse Walter Fewkes

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Archaeology & Anthropology History - Religious Religion/Spirituality

About This Book

An ethnographic study documents and compares the construction, symbolism, and ritual placement of Katcina altars used in Hopi kiva ceremonies across four pueblos. It describes altar architecture, figurines, painted motifs, lightning and corn symbols, prayer sticks, tiponi badges, and other paraphernalia; connects these elements to seasonal rites such as the Powamu bean-planting and the Niman farewell observances; and notes village-to-village variation and limitations of knowledge due to restricted access. Plates and detailed descriptions support a morphological analysis intended to reveal the aims and ceremonial functions of these altars within Hopi religious practice.

About the Author

Jesse Walter Fewkes

Jesse Walter Fewkes was an American archaeologist and ethnologist known for his extensive studies of Native American cultures, particularly in the Southwestern United States. He served as a prominent figure in the Bureau of American Ethnology and contributed significantly to the understanding of prehistoric and historic indigenous peoples. Fewkes is recognized for his detailed reports and investigations, including works such as "Antiquities of the Mesa Verde National Park," which explores the archaeological significance of the region. His research not only documented ancient structures but also delved into the cultural practices of tribes like the Hopi, making him a key figure in the field of American archaeology.