Review Summaries

• The explanations of each figure are clear and the illustrations are densely packed. It is widely regarded as a foundational text for understanding Hopi kachinas.

Reviews

• Artful and Comprehensive

  Artful and Comprehensive look at the numerous and colorful Kachinas of the Hopi! Covers the different ceremonies and the Kachinas associated with them. Describes the attire and purpose. Great for aspiring artists and just as a good knowledge base! Artwork done by a Hopi Kachina carver.

• Excellent introduction to kachinas

  This is the best book I’ve found for “novices” to Kachinas and their dolls. There is a very helpful introduction to put things in context. The rest of the book is like a nature guide with illustration of a particular doll ( painting rather than photo) and explanation of that Kachina’s particular role.

• Awesome gift my brother will appreciate

  I always wanted one of these books for myself. This one I purchased for my brother as a gift. Although it is used, the condition is very well taken care of, it still looks new. The jacket has a bit wear on it. I am happy with my purchase. Like I mentioned it is a gift for my brother.

• Great Book!

  Great book helps with my paintings, book needs rebound but for price no complaints.

• Is Barton Wright actually Barton Wrong?

  Having spent much time among the Hopis and at ceremonies, I've inherited the Hopi bias against any White guy who places himself on a pedestal of knowledge about their ancient and largely secret beliefs. I therefore see shortcomings in Mr. Wright's book, thus couldn't fairly give it five stars; but in fact, it's the best source of identification of Katsinam available today. The Hopi pantheon is so rich, it would be virtually impossible to list and illustrate all the existing Katsinam; but Mr. Wright has made a noble effort, and this book is very helpful. I recently received a photo of a Katsin-tihu (Katsina doll) a friend purchased at a garage sale in Louisiana. I couldn't quite identify the doll, which seemed to have conflicting identifying characteristics. This isn't unusual for older dolls, as the Hopis deliberately altered aspects in order to honor and protect the identity of the Katsina being depicted. I thought I could better identify the piece by seeking it in Mr. Wright's book, realized my copies were in storage and ordered this one. In looking closely at the Hopi-drawn illustrations, I realized my friend's piece was indeed a compilation of several dolls, dating it as earlier than I originally thought. What I truly miss in this book is a description of the meaning of the Katsinam and their role in Hopi society. I've had to learn these from the Hopis themselves, and have never discussed Katsinam without explaining, to the best of my ability, their significance. Hopi beliefs should be universally venerated, as they are not so much a "religion" as a way of life to be respected and embraced. The Katsina dances are, in my opinion, largely to keep traditions alive and to educate children as to their beautiful background and culture. Thus the Katsinam are very important, and although Mr. Wright has neglected the aspects of their existence that particularly interest me, his book will likely remain a useful source for years to come.

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