Hopi Katsina or Kachina Dolls

Katsina dolls or Kachina dolls are wooden images which represent the men who dance in costume, mask and paint as kachina spirits in Hopi villages from 21st December (winter solstice) through the third week in July. Katsina dolls or Kachina dolls represent supernaturals, Authentic Hopi dolls are carved from the root of the cottonwood tree only after it has broken away.

Katsina figures carved from cottonwood root are known as Katsina dolls or, until recently, Kachina dolls . The flat carvings are Hopi dolls in the traditional sense, given to baby girls at the frist Katsina dance after their brith. But even the more finely carved pieces, made theoretically by the Katsinas themselves, are presented to Hopi visitors at Katsina dances. but only if those individuals have proven themselves worthy.

Katsina dolls or Kachina dolls represent many of the spirits the Hopi people venerate, from those of humans and animals to mythical beings and plants. The Katsinam themselves can be divided into roughly five categories: spirit beings, guards, racers, ogres and clowns. The spirit beings encompass virtually every living thing in the Hopis’ world. The guards appear at the dances to protect Katsinam from those whose behavior is inappropriate to these religious occasions. The racers reflect the Hopis’ ability to run from village to distant village, communicating with friends and foes alike. The ogres with great clacking jaws enforce positive behavior in children. The clowns entertain, to keep humor in the often somber dances.

The exhibit consists of Katsina dolls or Kachina dolls, These Hopi dolls date from around 1930 to 1990, and vary in sizes. Some are identifiable to a specific carver but most are of an age where the carver’s name is no longer available.