Firekeeper Kachina Pendant

Esther Wood, Firekeeper Kachina Pendant, 1997, sterling silver and China Mt. turquoise, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Karl and Patricia Stoermer in honor of Esther Wood, Navajo Silversmith, 1997.87
Copied Esther Wood, Firekeeper Kachina Pendant, 1997, sterling silver and China Mt. turquoise, 4 3⁄4 x 2 1⁄4 x 1⁄2 in. (12.2 x 5.7 x 1.2 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Karl and Patricia Stoermer in honor of Esther Wood, Navajo Silversmith, 1997.87

Artwork Details

Title
Firekeeper Kachina Pendant
Artist
Date
1997
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
4 3⁄4 x 2 1⁄4 x 1⁄2 in. (12.2 x 5.7 x 1.2 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of Karl and Patricia Stoermer in honor of Esther Wood, Navajo Silversmith
Mediums
Mediums Description
sterling silver and China Mt. turquoise
Classifications
Keywords
  • Abstract
  • Indian
  • Figure female — full length
Object Number
1997.87
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1997.87

Artwork Description

Esther Wood based this piece on her Navajo beliefs and upbringing. Kachinas are supernatural beings central to the spiritual beliefs of the Pueblo Indians of the Southwest. During religious ceremonies, men impersonate these spirits and girls receive kachina dolls that are used for prayer. This pendant depicts a kachina doll of the Fire Keeper, who appears in the Navajo creation story. Turquoise is a sacred stone of the Navajo, who for centuries have regarded it as a symbol of the heavens and as a protective talisman.