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