Kachinas are spirit beings from the religion of the Hopi Indians, a Native American tribe that lives in the four corners area of the United States. There are 300 to 400 different kachinas representing many things such as Earth, sky, water, corn, ancestors, and a wide variety of other powerful elements of Hopi religious life. Kachina dancers are masked members of the tribe who represent these spirits in ceremonial dances. Kachina dolls are representations of the dancers.
The dolls themselves are not idols to be worshiped, and technically do not even represent sacred beings. Instead, they depict the kachina dancers, who imitate the Hopi spirits during various religious ceremonies. Kachina dolls were originally created as educational tools for children, and used to illustrate, and make visible, the unseen ideas and concepts they represent. Children are presented these dolls by the kachina dancers as they dance their way through the plaza and between kivas during religious ceremonies.
Originally, kachina dolls were simply made by painting blocks of wood. With time, the Hopi artists have turned the dolls into a sculptural art form. Often, modern carvings are detailed and life like. The material most often used in making kachinas is the cottonwood root, a soft and easily sculpted wood found in the desert southwest.
The Navajo people, who share the four corners region with the Hopi people, eventually began making their own kachinas. As a distinctive touch, they added leather, fur, feathers, beads and turquoise to the statues. Although Navajo kachinas do not have the religious significance of Hopi kachinas, they are still amazingly beautiful works of art that make a stunning addition to any American décor.
There are many kachinas to choose from, each with a distinctive look and a special significance within the Hopi mythology. There is the Eagle, who represents strength and power. There is the Wolf, who is a hunter and the Bear who represents the power to heal the sick.
The White Ogre Kachina represents good, while the Black Ogre threatens naughty children. The Hoop Dancer amuses the audience as does the Mudhead Kachina. The Wolf and Buffalo Warrior are both hunters who ensure adequate food for the winter.
Because the desert region of the Hopi has very little water, many kachinas are responsible for bringing all important rains to the region, including the Ram, the Roadrunner, the Antelope, the Snake and, of course, the Zuni Rain Priest. Kokopelli, who has become very popular in recent years, is a fertility god and seducer of women. The Spotted Corn Kachina aids in the pollination and production of corn, while the Old Man Kachina sings songs for a successful growing season.
Though each kachina has a special meaning and significance, each one is beautiful and evocative of the Native ancestors who inhabited our country in past millennia. By continuing to make kachinas, modern Native artists have carried on the practices and preserved the culture and beliefs of the ancient ones.
Kachinas are stunning works of art. However, their historical and cultural significance make them uniquely American. Each one adds mystery and vitality to a room by its mere presence. Add a piece of history and a bit of mystery to your home décor with an authentic kachina made by hand in the southwestern U.S.
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