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John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA
Katsina Figure
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA

Katsina Figure

Artifact IDMO 63.3952
Date 1960-1963
Date PresentedMarch 5, 1963
Maker (Hopi)
Gifter
Gifter
Place MadeArizona, United States, North America
Medium Cottonwood; horsehair; feathers; string
DimensionsOverall H 17 in (43.2 cm)
Physical DescriptionHopi Katsina ceremonial figure for the "Ja-que-nah dance of Hunting time" (inscribed on base). Katsina dancer has mask with bulging eyes, red toothed mouth and horsehair beard. Chest and arms are painted with black and yellow stripes. This katsina doll holds a bow in left hand and rattle in right hand and wears a white kilt, decorated belt and sash, and red moccasins.
Historical NoteThis Katsina doll was presented to President John F. Kennedy as a gift at a ceremony on the White House lawn with the National Congress of American Indians. It was created by Albert Poleeson, a member of the Hopi Tribe. It was presented to President Kennedy by the artist's sister, Eva Northrup. On March 5, 1963 President Kennedy made remarks to respresentatives of the National Congress of American Indians in which he discussed his plans to improve educational and employment opportunities for Native Americans and indigenous peoples.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteItem was a gift to President Kennedy from the National Congress of American Indians presented by Eva Northrup on the lawn of the White House on March 5, 1963. It was held by the Executive Office of the President until it was donated to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum by the Estate of President John F. Kennedy in 1965.
Credit LineJohn F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; Gift of the Estate of President John F. Kennedy
National Archives Catalog CollectionJohn F. Kennedy Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 1676934)
National Archives Catalog SeriesKennedy Administration Collection 1960-1963 (National Archives Identifier 1676959)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - PossiblyUse Restriction NoteCopyright and other proprietary rights may be held by individuals or entities other than the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum does not warrant that the use of these materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62.
In Collection(s)
Not on view
Related Links
Youtube video of President Kennedy Welcoming National Congress of American Indians: "Museum Collection – Katsina Doll"