Kachina mask

A Kachina mask is a traditional ceremonial mask used by the Hopi and other Pueblo peoples of the American Southwest. These masks represent spiritual beings called Kachinas, who are believed to influence natural forces and human well-being. During religious dances and rituals, artisans wear these elaborately crafted masks to embody the spirits, communicate with ancestors, and teach cultural stories. Made from wood, feathers, and colorful paints, Kachina masks play a vital role in cultural expression, spirituality, and maintaining community traditions within Native American practices.