Kachinas (Katsina or Katsintithu) and Kachina Dolls
Native American Kachina Dolls by the Zuni and Hopi
Hopi Kachinas, or Hopi Kachina dolls as they are sometimes referred to, are one of the most sought after and interesting items made by today’s Native American artists. Although sometimes made by other Native American artists, the Hopi Kachina comes from the Hopi religion and history. Although the Navajo make some Kachinas, most people consider the Kachina itself to be a product of the Hopi and Zuni peoples.
The Hopi people live in a small group of villages on about650,000 acres surrounded on all sides by the Navajo reservation. This area of the country is considered to be high desert and the Hopi live primarily in and around three mesas in this area. Hopi Kachina carving is a very strong part of their current and past culture. The Hopi Indians are considered to be a very religious tribe and the Kachina and Kachina carvers are an important part of that religious structure. The Kachina dolls represent the actual Kachinas which are believed to be supernatural beings. Kachinas control nature and have the spirits of living things such as plants or animals as well as the spirits of deceased ancestors or other peoples. It is also believed that some Kachinas have the spirits of non-living things such as wind, rain, thunder, lightning, clouds and snow.
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The Kachinas come to the people between December and July. They bring such gifts as rain, 
good crops and happiness. They are NOT considered to be what is commonly referred to as Gods, but supernatural beings that assist the Hopi in their daily struggles and in their lives. There are believed to be about 300-400 Hopi Kachinas, but the number varies depending on who you may consult and on which Kachinas may have been added.
The Kachina dolls are representative of the actual Kachinas and are carved from cottonwood root. When possible the Kachina doll is carved from a single piece of cottonwood root as opposed to multiple pieces. These Kachina dolls are given to the Hopi children to familiarize them with the Kachinas and their meaning as well as to be used as a traditional doll might be used.
The younger children are given ti’hu’ which is a flat Kachina, although colorful and accurate in its depiction of the actual Kachina, it is not as intricate or as fragile. Recently there has been a movement among some of the Kachina carvers to again carve the ti’hu’. This particular Kachina doll is also very interesting to “collect” because of its bright colors and normally lower price. Many famous Kachina carvers have begun to carve the ti’hu’ as part of their collections.
These Kachina dolls sometimes become extremely detailed in their image as well as their positioning. The price of Kachinas can easily range in the thousands of dollars although some excellent Kachina dolls can be found in a much lower price range. Due to the infinite variety available, the Kachina is an interesting and fun item for many people who are drawn to American Indian culture but might not consider themselves to be collectors.
Some examples of Kachina dolls are:
Ahole & Eototo Kachina – Always shown together Eototo is the Chief of all the Kachinas. Ahole is Eototo’s lieutenant and is at his side.
Ahote Kachina – He is derived from the Plains Indians and is a good hunter.
Antelope Kachina – Also known as Chop. He makes the rains come and the grass grow.
Badger Kachina – Also known as Honan. This is a curing or healing Kachina which can also be a guard Kachina.
Broad-Faced Kachina – Also known as Wuyak-kuita. He is a guard of the other Kachinas.
Butterfly Maiden Kachina – Also known as the Palhik Mana. They are not actually a Kachina, but a woman who appears in dances.
Corn Kachina – Also known as Mana or Kachina Maiden. A representation of the importance and sacredness of corn in the Hopi culture.
Chief Kachina – Also known as Ahola. He controls the growth and reproduction of all things.
Clown Kachina – Sometimes known as Koshari or Hano Clown. They represent the “clowns” of life. Often show with watermelons or doing outrageous things.
Crow Mother Kachina – Also known as Crow Bride, Angwushahai-I, or Whipper Kachinas. Most Hopi consider her the mother of all Kachinas.
Deer Dancer Kachina – Also known as Sowi-ingwu. He is a dancer Kachina who is usually accompanied by the Wolf Kachina.
Eagle Kachina – Also known as Kwahu. Eagles are very important to the Hopi and it is considered an honor to have one visit.
Early Morning Kachina – Also known as Talavia. He appears on rooftops in the morning and sings happy, sad, or important songs.
Great Horned Owl Kachina – Also known as Mongwu. He is a warrior and one who often disciplines the clown.
Jemez Kachina – Also known as Hemis. Borrowed from the Jemez Pueblo it is a bringer of corn.
Kokopelli Kachina – He is found in all pueblos of the southwest. A flute player, baby maker, seducer and good luck for hunters Kachina.
Left-Handed hunter Kachina – Also known as Siyangephoya. An excellent hunter.
Long-Haired Kachina – Know as Kokoshi among the Zuni. He is thought to bring the rains and flowers. Some of the more popular are the Barefoot and the Navajo.
Mountain Lion Kachina – Also known as Toho. He is normally a guard Kachina.
Mudhead Kachina – Also known as Koyemsi. Borrowed from the Zuni Pueblo he plays games with the audience during dance breaks.
Ogre Kachina – There are two main varieties. The Black Ogre (Nata-aska) and The White Ogre (Wiharu). Children are taught that the Ogre will get them if they are not good.
Snake Dancer Kachina – Also known as Chusona. This is not actually one of the Kachinas but is a very popular person represented by a Kachina doll.
Squash Kachina – Also known as the Patung Kachina. He is normally considered a runner.
Sun Kachina – Also known as Tawa. He represents the spirit of the sun god.
Warrior Maiden Kachina – Also known as He'e'e. Considered to be one of the greatest warriors.
Warrior Mouse Kachina – A hero of legend and not actually considered to be a Kachina.
White Bear Kachina – Also known as Hon. To the Hopi all bears are very powerful and are great warriors.
White Wolf Kachina – Also known as Kweo. Revered for his power as a hunter.
Yeibichai Kachina – A replica of the Navajo Talking God and the Kachina that leads the dancers that wear the Yei masks.
Maybe even more so than some of the other Native American art, the purchase of a Kachina doll is highly personal. Many people have favorite styles, favorite Kachina carvers, particular Kachinas or even particular groups of Kachina dolls which they prefer. Unless you are a person collecting primarily for the monetary value, it is important that you pick a Kachina doll which is of particular interest to you.
Futures for Children American Indian Store attempts to purchase only authentic Native American Indian made merchandise including authentic Native American Indian Kachinas whether they are from Hopi Kachina carvers, Zuni Kachina carvers or Navajo Kachina carvers. It is our desire to promote not only the education of American Indian Children, but to promote the economy and well being of the American Indian communities of which the Native American Indian artists are a primary contributor.
