Kachina: Parrot
Originally regarded as supernatural beings, kachinas (aka katsinas) are revered as sacred spirits among the Hopi people, teaching essential skills for living harmoniously with nature. The kachina dolls are representations of these spiritual beings and carry beautiful cultural significance within Native American traditions.
This particular doll, carved by Lauren Honyouti (Hopi) is bright and bold, and full of life. The Parrot Katsina (Koyona or Kyash) brings a vibrant presence to the Hopi ceremonial world. Associated with color, vitality, and the beauty of faraway lands, this Katsina reflects the influence of parrots whose feathers were once traded from Central and South American peoples into the American Southwest. Parrots are symbols of fertility, celebration, and cultural connection. The Hopi Parrot Katsina reminds us all that joy, color, and movement are not just art — they are sacred.
Interestingly, various Hopi carvers believe that there was apparently a complete break in the history of the Parrot Kachina. His first appearance on First Mesa before the turn of the century is quite different from his next appearance eighty years later on Second Mesa.
Between these two personations, no dolls were made that were recognizable as the Parrot Kachina, nor were any dances given as the paraphernalia was not available. In 1965 a Parrot Dance was given as a regular dance for the first time in several generations. Formerly, it had been given in the Water Serpent Ceremony on First Mesa.
Why the Hopi tradition includes parrots is a matter of much speculation – however, many believe that according to oral history, many centuries ago the Hopi originally migrated from South America. One legend tells of their arrival in the Fourth World after crossing the “green deep.” Upon reaching the shoreline, these majestic birds flew out to welcome them to their new home.
The use of parrot katsinas in modern tradition could be a remnant of an earlier era and custom. The existence of evidence of some South American paraphernalia suggests that the Hopi did maintain open trade in the complex network of the Anasazi, which reached deep into Meso America.
Henry E. Hooper 