Submitted by: Beth Marcus
Kachina Dolls are a gift that is given for a brighter future and great health. They are also used as education tools. Today, they are used as a way to bridge mortals to the spirit world. In addition, they are used to unite Hopis and non-Hopis. Kachinas arrive each year and walk the Earth, and as they dance, they bring renewal and life. When planting is finished, they go back to the spirit world, praying that we all might keep going on the Earth for another great year.
There are greater than 250 different Kachinas, and they all their very own special attributes, representing everything from various animals to concepts that are abstract in nature. The first people to carve Kachina Dolls were the Hopi Indians, and they did this using one piece of cottonwood root. Later, the Navajo carved them in their own special way. Adding things like beads, leather, turquoise, and feathers.
Some of the different Kachinas, and what they represent, are:
1. Eagle- A representation of power and strength. Eagles are a messenger for the heavens and the ruler of the sky.
2. Hoop Dancer- These are used to entertain the people during a major ceremony. They hold a ring which stands for the circle of life.
3. Hemis- This is a gorgeous Kachina doll that is meant to show the happiness that is felt after there has been a good harvest.
4. Wolf- This is used to represent a hunter who uses his smarts and intelligence to bring down game animals for food.
5. Deer- Does a dance that grows his own kind, so there is more to eat for the future.
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6. Ogre- A black ogre is used to scare children who misbehave, and a white ogre is meant to represent good things.
7. Bear- This kachina symbolizes great power to heal the sick.
8. Bean- Does a dance so that beans will be plentiful.
9. Chief- This is an ancient type of Kachina that is meant to show tremendous knowledge and power.
10. Old Man- This is a grandfather Kachina doll that sings different songs so that there will be a good season of growing.
11. Ram- Implements power over rain, and also dances to increase the number of his own kind on the earth.
12. Snow- Is meant to bring in snow and cold weather that is needed for crops to grow properly.
13. Badger- He has powers to give prayers so that healing herbs will grow.
14. Spotted Corn- This helps the production and pollination of corn for eating and ceremonial use.
15. Lizard- This is a type of fighting Kachina doll that is said to bring lovers together.
16. Priest killer- People that are not Hopi called him priest killer because he beheaded a priest during the Pueblo revolt of 1680. The Pueblo Indians of Arizona and New Mexico left the Catholic Church so they could have the freedom of performing their own religion.
17. Santo Domingo- This kachina blesses seeds so that a great harvest is had.
18. White Cloud- This kachina represents the clouds in the sky, and brings rain for crops.
19. Buffalo- This is the most powerful Kachina; it has the ability to destroy evil thoughts and is an awesome spiritual protector.
20. Warrior- This is a very important war Kachina, which is meant to be a police officer of sorts.
21. Hototo- This is the most respected of the war Kachinas; he is a maker of food.
22. Antelope- This kachina dances to produce more antelope and also bring rain.
23. Buffalo Warrior and Wolf Warrior- These kachinas make sure there is lots of food for the winter.
During religious ceremonies, Indians dress up in the glorious costumes of the Kachinas so that they might celebrate the harmony of life. The Kachina dolls are representative of the Kachina dancers. They are made with artful mastery, intricately carved by hand and painted with the Southwest designs that are traditional. Kachinas are a wonderful type of decorative art, which fits right in with any type of Southwest design. They are a lovely addition to any home.
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Source:
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