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