The Kachina Doll

Kachinas are spirits who live mostly in the San Francisco Hills. They come to visit in the waning days of winter, essentially to assist with the growing season. They have myriads of functions. There are spirits for the earth, the sky, the sun, the clouds, the birds, the animals -- in other words for most issues of importance and circumstance. The major concerns dealt with by Kachinas are rain, fertility, rich harvest, good health, long life, and to achieve balance and harmony in nature. And more rain, please. The number of different types of Kachinas is uncertain.

It is believed that dead ancestors share the spirit world to do what they can for their descendants. The arrival of the Kachinas is celebrated. The men withdraw in the underground ceremonial rooms known as kivas. They don the garments, colors, accessories and masks ascribed to the various spirits. Thus attired, the Hopi relinquish part of their own spirit and assume the shape and essence of the Kachina. They follow the prescribed ritual. Eventually they emerge, dancing and singing the traditional verses. The public ceremonies begin. Such festivities happen with some frequency, in order to give emphasis to the objective. At age 10 the male children become eligible to be trained in Kachina studies. Women may function only as adjuncts on the peripheries of the festivities. By late July, when the planting and growing season is over, the spirit Kachinas return to their hills.

The Hopi artists carve the Kachina dolls either as representations of the spirits themselves to be honored, or as gifts to the children. They are not toys, but rather are educational materials. An "original" Kachina doll is a work of art. The artist has to find the special suitable cottonwood, season it with special clay, use intricate techniques, apply suitable paints made of earth pigments and appropriate ornaments with skill and patience. Inevitably, modern technology has encroached on the process, especially in the areas of paints, but concentrated effort is made to protect and defend the inherent meaning.

There has been the increasing pressure to produce the Kachina dolls for the commercial trade. The market seems insatiable. Gift shops and galleries are flooded with Kachina dolls, many of questionable origin and quality. Kachina dolls are lovely souvenirs and make great gifts. They can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars. But the true collector should be beware. There are many poorly made cheaper versions created simply for quick sales to tourists. If you are an art collector, a few hours of research on the subject would be well worth the effort.

Previous Page > > What is a Kachina?