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What are Kachinas? There are hundreds of Hopi Katsinam, "personations" of supernatural
beings, important animals and ancestors who help the Hopi people raise
their crops, their children, and their spirits. The Katsina dancers are
men wearing masks--each of which represents a particular Katsina--and
paint and feathered costumes. Everyone in the village, aside from the
children, knows that the Katsina dancers are actually men from the
village, though Katsinam are still believed to have supernatural powers.
Much of the value in these dances is found to be instructing the young.
Signed and numbered. Please choose leather color: Blues/Greens,
Red, White, Black, Tans/Browns 6", 10" or 12"
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 The
Eagle Kachina is certainly one of the most
spectacular and also one of the more difficult to carve and
assemble. He represents strength and power and is ruler of the
sky and messenger to the great spirits. This sacred and
magnificent Kachina is the protector of all.
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 The
Angry Warrior Kachina is a very important war
Kachina and acts as a guard to secure the village.
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 The
Ahote Warrior appears to be derived from the
Plains Indians. This Kachina appears in the Mixed Dance and is
presumed to be a good hunter.
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 Like
most animal Kachinas, the Antelope dances to
increase his kind. This Kachina also aids in bringing rain,
making the grass grow and ensuring there is plentiful food for
the future.
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 The
Apache Crown Dancer Kachina is also known as the
Mountain Spirit Dancer. He possesses the power to heal and
treats his patients by blowing away the sickness. For ceremonies
the Apache Crown Dancers are painted under the direction of the
Shaman.
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 The Badger is known for his wisdom and his ability
to cure the sick through prayer. He has great knowledge of roots
and herbs and is responsible for their growth.
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 The
Bear Kachina appears in the Mixed Dance. This
great and powerful leader possesses spiritual strength used to
protect and cure the sick through his knowledge of roots and
herbs. The Bear Kachina is considered to be the number two
healer for the people. The Bear symbolizes power, strength,
courage, wisdom and healing. Only the Badger Kachina has more
power for healing.
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 Like
most animal Kachinas, the Buffalo dances to
increase his kind. This Kachina is very well known and is very
powerful. He can kill evil thoughts and is a great spiritual
protector and provider.
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 Named
for the beautiful butterflies that land on flowers and herbs.
Butterfly directs the Medicine Man to ingredients that can be
used to make medicine. The Butterfly Kachina
(Poli Mana or Palhik’ Mana) brings together unmarried men and
women. During the Butterfly Social Dance, the Kachinas appear as
a pair, one female and one male.
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 The
primary function of the Ceremonial Hoop Dancer
is to amuse the audience during a major ceremony. The circular
rings represent the circle of life. The Hoop Dancer is about
amusement, joy, happiness and connecting us to our nature for
humor. |
 Chasing
Star: Also known as the Planet or Meteor Kachina this
unique doll represents the spirit of the stars and planets.
Legend has it that years ago on the reservations, aliens would
come to visit the Indian people and give them advice on hunting
and reproduction of crops. |
 Master
of ceremonies. The Chief is an ancient Kachina
who represents the great power of knowledge.
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 A
very popular Kachina, he is easily recognized when painted with
horizontal black and white stripes over his entire body. He is
usually shown in a humorous pose, gorging on watermelon or some
other food. There are many varieties of this Kachina. His
primary function is one of amusement for the audience during
pauses in Kachina dancing or as a leavening for the seriousness
of a major ceremony. Oftentimes there is an object lesson on
improper behavior or a social commentary present in the skits
and actions of the clowns. It is said that the Clown
Kachina is considered the conscience of the people.
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 COW
An animal spirit messenger to the rain gods. His songs are
prayers for plentiful animal life and are symbolic of their
self-sacrifice as food supply to sustain life . |
 The
Crow Mother is the mother of the Whipper Kachinas and
is considered by many Hopi to be the mother of all Kachinas. She
leads other Kachinas into the village during Powamu bearing in
her arms a basket of corn kernels and bean sprouts to
symbolically start the new season properly. The Crow Mother
appears during the Bean Dance on all three mesas.
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 Like
most animal Kachinas, the Deer Kachina dances
to increase his kind. This Kachina also aids in bringing rain,
making the grass grow, and ensuring there is plentiful food for
the future. The staff that is held in each hand represents the
front legs of the deer. |
 One
of the most popular of all the Kachina dolls. Descending
Eagle Kachina is certainly one of the more spectacular
and one of the more difficult to carve and assemble. He
represents strength and power and is ruler of the sky and
messenger to the great spirits. This sacred and magnificent
Kachina is the protector of all.
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 The
Fancy Dancer is much like the Hoop Dancer. His purpose
is to entertain the audience. The feather fan headdress is meant
for passing along prayers.
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 There
are several types of Ogre Kachinas. The most common is the White Ogre, w, which represents good. The Black
Ogre is used to threaten small children when they misbehave. He
is called the boogeyman.
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 The
First Mesa Kachina dancer encourages growth in
crops, particularly corn. In their semi-arid land, it is
absolutely essential to the people to have supernaturals on
their side. The First Mesa Kachina leads the procession to the
other mesas so that the rituals may be carried out. It is
believed that the supernaturals have certain powers that the
First Mesa Kachinas do not have and the First Mesas in return
possess things that their supernaturals desire. |
 The
Four Horn is presumably an import from Zuni,
although many claim he is an original Kachina. He is most
popular in the mixed dances on First Mesa.
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 Represents
the spirit of the fox: sly, fast and crafty.
Stands for camouflage
and protection. He appears in mixed Kachina
dances as a runner. The design of black or white dots on the
stomach represents a constellation of stars.
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 HEMIS: This
is one of the most colorful and beautiful of all Kachinas. He is
very graceful and rhythmic. He represents happiness and
prosperity brought from a successful harvest. He originated at
the Pueblo of Jemez in New Mexico.
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 The
Hoop Dancer amuses and amazes his audience as
he dances with his magical circular rings that represent the
circle of life. |
 The
horse is a fairly new Kachina. Its name is derived from
the Spanish word for horse, caballo. The Hopi preferred the
burro as a beast of burden, so the horse was not adopted by them
until quite late. Usually seen in Mixed Dances. He is said
to represent the spirit of the horse and is identified by the
black figure of a horse painted on each cheek of his white mask.
In general the Horse represents Spirituality and strength. |
 Hototo
Warrior This Kachina is responsible for preparing
food, guard duty, gift bearing and and is one of the most
important war Kachinas. |
 The
Hummingbird Kachina is a brilliant impersonator
during winter and spring dances. The Kachina bobs and calls like
a bird while it moves with great speed. He may also appear as a
runner because he moves fast enough to catch an individual and
whip him with his decorative staff. |
 The
Kneeling Buffalo Warriors are not dancers, but
are responsible for an adequate food supply for the winter. They
usually appear in action, as though they were hard at work. |
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Navajo Kachinas
Sammie Walker Kachinas
Hopi Full Figure Kachinas
Hopi Miniature Kachinas
Hopi Sculpture Katsina
Hopi Old World Style
Kachina
Zuni Fetish
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KACHINA OF THE MONTH CLUB
Save by ordering
a monthly Kachina
(Three month minimum) |
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