One of the most interesting Native American forms of art found throughout the Southwest USA, are the Kachinas. Colorful; adorned with feathers and other natural items; sometimes staid; sometimes figures in motion; all have a meaning and are connected to a spirit or supernatural being. Photo of Hopi Kachinas courtesy of The Rams Head to the left.)

Ethnologists and historians believe that all Pueblo peoples, regardless of racial grouping, possessed Kachina dolls and embraced the Kachina concept. This would include the Hopi, Zuni, Acoma, Shoshonean, Tewa and Navajo.

The basic Kachina concept (with variations from one tribe to another) is centered on the religion and needs of the tribe. The well-being of agricultural peoples revolves around the weather and numbers of people needed to farm. The Kachina is a supernatural being that visits the villages to bring rain, prosperity, good health, discipline and guidance. The Kachina carving is a visible object with a spirit counterpart signifying mass and energy--the two forms of life in this world.

Kachinas are the spirit essence of everything in this world evidenced by the steam that rises from food, mist rising from water on a cold morning, a cloud forming over a mountain, and even the breath departing as one dies. The Kachina dancers are the intermediaries between the spirit world and this one. It is believed that when the dancer puts on the mask, he is converted into a supernatural being. (Photo above of Navajo Shalako Kachinas courtesy Regalos De Borrego.)

The mask is a sacred object as well as a work of art. The masks are made of leather and painted with symbols of nature (sun, rain, clouds), adorned with feathers, hair, yarn, fur, and ribbons.
Paint and color play a vital role in the making of a Kachina. The Hopi, for example, use color to show direction--north is yellow, west is blue-green, south is red, white is east, black for the zenith or heavens and gray for opposite. Colors symbolize the direction from which the kachina comes and by association its function--and the body color can indicate whether it is a beneficial or a dangerous spirit.

The importance and meaning of the Kachina is conveyed by the number and variety of feathers it possesses. Traditionally they all had the white downy feathers from an eagles breast signifying the breath of rain, a forming cloud or rising of mist. Warrior figures had feathers from birds of prey and owl fluff enhanced their night vision. Kachinas bringing flowers and rain had bright summer colored feathers from orioles, bluebirds, turkeys, etc. Today, in order to protect rare bird species, only domestic feathers may be used.

Traditionally all Kachinas were carved from the water-seeking roots of the Cottonwood tree, then properly seasoned and cured. Today, the price of Cottonwood root has risen dramatically and is often in short supply. Attempts at substitute woods for commercial art sake, have been tried but mostly rejected.

The diversity of the Kachina carvings depict the needs of the villages and the variety of beliefs in each tribe. When particular Kachinas are believed to be very effective, they are borrowed amongst the tribes as they are closely related. This is why you may find a Navajo carving of a Hopi or Zuni Kachina. Even though the Kachina (think of it as a prayer) is borrowed, the carving is distinctively Navajo as the artist has made it his own interpretation with his own style. For example, Zuni Kachinas usually show no action, whereas Hopi Kachinas tend to show motion.

The Kachina carvings traditionally were given as gifts and used to educate children about specific spirits and dances. Most carvers do not sign their work as the carvings were meant to be from the spirits and not a person. Kachina makers are often both religious and commercial carvers.

Adult males belong to the Kachina Societies which are responsible for presenting the masked Kachina dances in public each year. They spend hours in underground ceremonial chambers called kivas, making ready for the dances. The Kivas are believed to be the entryways to the Spirit or Underworld. The dancers present at least three group dances a year; Summer Solstice which revolves around rain, prayers and retreats; Winter Solstice which revolves around fertility rites and other dances dependent on the villages needs. For example, if the village needs more corn, the dancers will present a Corn Dance. Some dances (Hopi) are aimed at educating the children and teaching them the importance of their duties as their contribution to the village. Some dancers are presented as thanks for good fortune and prosperity. A Kachina doll will represent a particular dancer/spirit.

It is widely believed that the supernaturals avoid unhappiness and anger. If the dancers are colorful and happy in their dancing, the real Kachina spirits will pause to watch the ceremonies and rain and benefits will come.

People are bound together by a complex religion developed to secure supernatural assistance in fulfilling their needs and keeping them together for strength against outsiders--within this process an art form is born. Every Kachina dance, in one way or another asks for water--rain for farming; water in the springs for drinking; and snow to replenish the land--the basis of survival.

The Kachina carvings traditionally were given as gifts and used to educate children about specific spirits and dances. Most carvers do not sign their work as the carvings were meant to be from the spirits and not a person. Kachina makers are often both religious and commercial carvers.

Adult males belong to the Kachina Societies which are responsible for presenting the masked Kachina dances in public each year. They spend hours in underground ceremonial chambers called kivas, making ready for the dances. The Kivas are believed to be the entryways to the Spirit or Underworld. The dancers present at least three group dances a year; Summer Solstice which revolves around rain, prayers and retreats; Winter Solstice which revolves around fertility rites and other dances dependent on the villages needs. For example, if the village needs more corn, the dancers will present a Corn Dance. Some dances (Hopi) are aimed at educating the children and teaching them the importance of their duties as their contribution to the village. Some dancers are presented as thanks for good fortune and prosperity. A Kachina doll will represent a particular dancer/spirit.

It is widely believed that the supernaturals avoid unhappiness and anger. If the dancers are colorful and happy in their dancing, the real Kachina spirits will pause to watch the ceremonies and rain and benefits will come.

People are bound together by a complex religion developed to secure supernatural assistance in fulfilling their needs and keeping them together for strength against outsiders--within this process an art form is born. Every Kachina dance, in one way or another asks for water--rain for farming; water in the springs for drinking; and snow to replenish the land--the basis of survival.