| The Kachina doll is one of the most prominent | | | | taught the elders of the tribes were then taught |
| forms of Southwest Native Indian artwork. | | | | to the others through the representations in the |
| Masked and costumed Native Indian dancers who | | | | Kachina dolls. |
| represented various spiritual and natural elements | | | | Kachina dolls were originally given to women and |
| of life are called Kachinas. Spirits could represent | | | | children of the tribes as gifts but later on, they |
| different types of people including clowns, singers, | | | | were made for everyone's enjoyment. Kachina |
| warriors and even wood carriers. Various wildlife | | | | dolls are one of the major art forms right up |
| or animals such as eagles, bears, buffalos, deer, | | | | there along with rugs, jewelry and pottery in |
| owls, butterflies and badgers are often | | | | Southwest Native Indian art. |
| represented. There are Kachinas for the sun, | | | | Common sizes for Kachina dolls range from a few |
| moon, stars, earth and even different crops such | | | | inches to over 20 inches in height. One can easily |
| as squash. | | | | find smaller dolls which are often priced under |
| There is a Kachina spirit for every purpose and in | | | | $100 but a large Kachina doll made by a well |
| fact, there are over 900 documented Kachinas in | | | | known name artist could easily be priced at |
| history. Kachinas are considered guardians or | | | | several thousand dollars. Such a doll is a much |
| messengers to the Gods. Interestingly enough, | | | | sought after and highly prized piece of artwork |
| dancers from the tribes are usually male even if a | | | | by collectors of Southwest Indian art. Original |
| female Kachina is impersonated in a performance. | | | | higher end Kachinas are usually signed by the |
| Southwest Native Indian tribes such as the | | | | artist and come with some sort of documentation |
| Navajo, Zuni and Hopi, made Kachina dolls for use | | | | certifying its authenticity. Collectors should seek |
| in religious ceremonies. The carved Kachina doll | | | | out only reputable sellers of Kachina dolls to |
| was also used as a teaching tool. What the spirits | | | | ensure Native made artwork. |