Archive for the ‘Art’ Category

What are Kachina Dolls?

Monday, April 27th, 2009

A Kachina doll is a masked and costumed image of Native American dancers that represent various spiritual and natural elements of life. They are one of the most prominent forms of southwestern Native Americans. These spirits represented various types of people including clowns, singers, warriors and even wood carriers. You can find Kachinas in the sun, moon, stars, earth and even various crops such as corn.

Very few people have a complete collection of Kachinas because there are over 900 documented Kachinas in history. Native artists would create Kachinas because they were considered guardians or messengers of the gods.

The Indian art of the Southwest Native Indian tribes includes Kachinas dolls that were made for religious ceremonies or as a teaching tool. These tribes are the Navajo, Zuni and Hopi. They believed that the spirits taught the elders and the elders taught others by using the Kachina dolls. They were once only given to women and children as gifts until they were made for the enjoyment of everybody.

Native American artists have been making popular rugs, jewelry, pottery, woven baskets and blankets for many years. These items can be found, right along with Kachina dolls, on display in many Native American galleries today.

Kachina dolls can range in various sizes from a few inches to more than 20 inches in height. The smaller Kachina dolls are usually $100 or less. However, a large contingent all made by a well-known artist can cost several thousands of dollars. Collectors of Southwest Indian Art may have many highly priced Kachina dolls in their collection. Those Kachina dolls that are signed by the artist and have documentation certifying its authenticity are highly prized and sought after.

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