Background:

These unique prints portray Hopi Indian Katcinas - the personation of gods by wearing masks or garments bearing symbols that are regarded as characteristic of these beings.

The prints are based on drawings by Hopi men competent in painting and were done in the late 1800-early 1900s.  The men were provided with paper, pencils, brushes and pigments.  To complete the work they traveled to the mesa and returned with the drawings shown here.

Each print portrays numerous Hopi gods.  We identify under the Plate number the name of the first god shown on the print.

The katcinas were part of a report prepared under the direction of the Smithsonian Institution which was authorized by an Act of Congress in the late 1800s to conduct research relating to American Indians.