Kachina 

Here is Georgia O'Keeffe's rendition of a Kachina doll, painted with oils on canvas. Kachinas, central to the spiritual life of the Pueblo peoples, are benevolent spirits who dwell in the natural world. The doll, a physical embodiment of these spirits, is adorned with potent symbols. Notice the crosses and geometric shapes: these aren't merely decorative; they carry deep symbolic weight, representing elements like stars, the four cardinal directions, and the integration of the self. Such symbols echo across cultures. Take, for instance, the cross, a symbol predating Christianity, found in ancient Egyptian and Asian cultures. The persistence of these symbols suggests a shared, subconscious understanding of cosmic order. O'Keeffe's work, thus, isn't just a depiction of an object; it's a conduit connecting us to a lineage of human expression and subconscious understanding. This doll and its symbolism have persisted through time, constantly evolving, taking on new meanings in diverse contexts, yet always resonating with a deeply rooted, collective memory.