Kachinas are an important and complex aspect of Hopi culture. Sacred symbols are not part of this representation. The kite is made with honor, respect and admiration of the Hopi. The 8 foot kite architecturally is a Japanese Hito-dako, a person kite. The frame is protruded carbon tubes and solid rods. The Bridle is a fixed cascade to reduce spine flex in stronger wind.
Fabric work is the most significant design aspect. I dyed the brown, rust and green colors, starting with white ripstop. The buckskin is multiple dye shades on yellow. When the Hopi personify the kachina they use body washes made from their rocky soil. I wanted to honor those colors as well as the greens of the pine bough collar. The background represents the dull, dusty ground of the village plaza during ceremony and dance. The sash and jewelry components are appliqued over the piecework body.