Book

The origin and development of the Pueblo Katsina cult

University of Arizona Press • Tucson • Published In 1991 • Pages:

By: Adams, E. Charles.

Abstract

Adams writes, "This book is a study of the concept of katsina and the Pueblo religion that has developed around this concept. … The focus of this book is more properly on defining what makes katsinas unique, why this concept was developed, and what adaptive value it had for prehistoric Pueblo culture." (page 3). After discussing its development, Adams uses the research done at Homol'ovi to show how the katsina cult allow aggregate villages to stabilize, allowed village continuity and expansion, and helped to integrate the divergent populations. Homol'ovi also had evidence of specialization in cotton production and probably other riparian resources and trade, especially to the Hopi Mesas. "Distribution of cult iconography in public media, such as rock art and ceramics, indicated the cult was used by the leadership in involving all segments of the populace in the ceremonies. Such community integration [allowed] the leadership to organize community labor to make the land [more] productive." (page 202). Although Adams' book covers AD 600-1700, his main discussion centers on the time period of 800-400 BP (AD 1200-1600). Data concerning the time periods outside this block of time were not marked for OCM (Outline of Cultural Materials) codes.

HRAF PubDate

2012

Region

North America

Sub Region

Southwest and Basin

Document Type

Book

Evaluation

Creator Type

Archaeologist

Document Rating

4: Excellent Secondary Data

5: Excellent Primary Data

Analyst

Sarah Berry; 2011

Field Date

1984-1990

Coverage Date

800-400 BP (AD 1200-1600)

Coverage Place

Arizona and New Mexico, United States

Notes

E. Charles Adams

this would be considered within the time range (AD 1275-1550)

Includes bibliographical references (p. [193]-217) and index

LCCN

90048047

LCSH

Pueblo Indians--Religion

Kachina dolls

Kachinas--History

Pueblo Indians--Rites and ceremonies