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kachina
kachina [ kə chnə ] (plural kachinas)


noun 
Definition:
 
1. Native N American spirit: any of the spirits believed by the Native North American Hopi people to be the ancestors of human beings
2. figure of kachina: a representation of a kachina, usually either a carved wooden doll or a costumed performer in a ceremonial dance
[Late 19th century. < Hopi katsina 'supernatural being']
Encarta® World English Dictionary [World English Edition] © & (P)2008 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Developed for Microsoft by Bloomsbury Publishing Plc.
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