January 23, 2005

By: Tammy Gray-Searles
Website: http://www.a1-in-toys.com

Kachina Dolls, Symbols of the Hopi Culture

Kachina dolls make beautiful collectibles, and are a stunning example of Native American art. The best dolls are completely handmade using cottonwood, rabbit fur, and natural dyes and materials. Many are made from a single piece of wood, without any separate pieces. Highly collectible Kachina dolls often have masks that can be removed to reveal the Hopi dancer underneath.

Believed to have originated as a teaching tool for children, Kachina dolls have evolved into an important part of the culture of the Hopi Tribe. Dolls created by well-known Hopi artists are very highly valued since the Hopi avoid commercializing their artwork, and most of their Kachinas are made for their own use.

Many of the Kachina dolls on the market today, are actually made by Navajo artists. Although the dolls are not originally a part of the Navajo culture, they have adopted them from the Hopi. The Navajo’s, seeing a huge demand for Kachinas and the reluctance of the Hopi to market them, learned to skillfully and accurately carve them. Some of the most detailed and imaginative dolls are created by Navajo artists.

Each Kachina doll character has a specific meaning. Their different, shapes, faces, colors and costumes all bear significance to their creator. Below are some of the most popular dolls and what they represent.

Kachina Doll Symbols:

Sun Kachina dolls represent warmth. He symbolizes a bright future, playfulness for the young and shelter for the old. Sun is usually seen with a round face divided in half at the forehead and circled with feathers. The lower half of his face is usually yellow, with red on one side of his forehead, and blue on the other.

Mudhead Kachina dolls represent a clown. He brings laughter to the children with his mischievous pranks, usually during ceremonies. Mudhead is typically a rust brown with black cylindrical eyes and mouth, and three round knots on his head.

Wolf Man Kachina dolls are hunters. He uses his knowledge to track and capture game animals for his people. Wolf Man typically wears a wolf mask, is covered in gray fur, and carries a bow and arrow.

Kokopelli Kachina dolls symbolize fertility and is said to be a seducer of young girls. He is always seen playing his flute, and it is said he carries a bag of goodies to distribute to young girls.

Buffalo Kachina dolls are the most powerful of all the Kachinas. He is believed to be a spiritual protector and to have the ability to kill evil thoughts. He is usually seen wearing a buffalo fur hood with horns, that reveals a man’s face. The fur hood trails all the way down his back. Buffalo Kachina also typically carries a rattle when he is dancing and a spear and shield when he is hunting or at war.

For more information on Kachina Dolls or to choose from a variety of related products and services, select from the following: