Kachina Dolls
A doll with red, blue and black markings stands proud atop a plaque in a glass case. Although the body is human-like, the doll has a distinct mask with a snout and sharp teeth; horns atop its head and feathers decorate its body.
An Arizona native may already know all about the history and significance of kachina dolls, but as a newcomer I had to wonder why these dolls continued to pop up at local gift shops, the airport and even appearing as awards and business logos. What makes this doll so special and prevalent to the state?
Viewed as religious icons, kachina dolls are said to first come from Hopi Native Americans who originate in the southwest regions and primarily live on a 1.5 million acre Hopi Reservation in northeastern Arizona. Being some of the first settlers to the land, the Hopi Tribe made a “sacred covenant with Maasaw, the ancient caretaker of the earth, to live as peaceful and humble farmers respectful of the land and its resources,” in which they still stay true to today.
According to the American Indian Originals, kachina dolls are passed out to children by masked dancers that resemble kachinas during ceremonies and are used to teach Hopi traditions and beliefs. Children are able to learn about the different kachinas and their stories and religious significance; and although gifted to children they are not used as toys. The dolls can date back as far as the 18th century.
The kachina, or the more correct and preferred term by the Hopi’s, katsina meaning “life bringer” refers to spiritual beings and messengers such as deceased relatives and ancestors and animals who are believed to visit the Hopi tribe six months out of the year, arriving in February and returning to the spirit realms in July. The spiritual beings are said to bring blessings such as rain and fertility for their crops and can also control aspects of other natural elements. Kokopelli, a commonly recognized kachina and symbol, is a prime example for being known to play his flute to summon clouds and rainfall and bring fertility. Another example of a kachina is the Bear kachina, which resembles a deity that is capable of curing the sick.
The dolls are traditionally carved from the roots of cottonwood trees. Cottonwood trees used to be more abundant and accessible for Hopi but now they may revert to carving kachinas from different types of wood and materials or buying cottonwood root from outsiders.
After being carved the dolls are finished with clay, paint, yarn, feathers and other materials to represent clothing and headpieces. Colors can dictate directional meanings such as red meaning south or southwest. The mask is said to be the most important feature because the mask “truly identifies the kachina’s persona,” and if the kachina is holding an object it might resemble what he does or who he was. For example, every kachina resembles a human-like body but may actually represent an animal spirit. For deer, antelope and other animal kachinas one or two sticks will be held which represent the front two legs of the animal.
There is a large market for kachina dolls. These dolls are either carved by outsiders or occasionally come from the Hopi themselves. Most Hopi that sell kachina dolls to outsiders do it primarily for trade and do not typically make the dolls to authentically reflect traditional kachina dolls that would be gifted within the tribe.
Kachina dolls are still made today within the Hopi community as a tradition and outside of the Hopi community as artistry. Beautiful and interesting to look at, the kachina dolls give us insight into the history, tradition and culture of the Hopi Tribe in Arizona.
