The Hopi Tradition and the  "Cloud People"

Native American cultures, like many other cultures, believe in many gods. Some cultures believe they can speak directly to the gods, while others - whether out of fear or out of respect - believe they need a go-between.

In the Hopi tradition, the "Cloud People"  (katisam) are spirits that represent almost every aspect of Hopi life. It is believed they once visited in person, but now come as clouds or mist. Hopi katsinam can represent almost anything, male or female, clan ancestors, plants, animals, insects, human qualities, the elements, and even death. They are responsible for accepting Hopi offerings and prayers to give to the gods in exchange for health, rain and fertility.

Kachina ceremonies take place during the first half of the Hopi religious calendar from winter solstice to mid-July. There are five major ceremonies, lasting nine days each. Three main ceremonies are performed by and for the katsinam during their stay in the villages: Soyalangwu, a winter solstice ceremony in December; Powamuya in February, when the katsinam are asked to appear; and Niman, the home-going ceremony, after the summer solstice. Between Powamuya and Niman, they perform several dances that help bring rain, promote the growth of crops, and increase the number of animals the Hopi depend on for survival. As spring arrives, the dances move out onto the plazas, where they last from morning until dusk. At the end of Niman, the katsinam return to the spirit world.

The Hopis have carved kachina dolls for centuries. Each Kachina doll represents a benevolent spirit being. It is an honor to receive or own an authentic Hopi Kachina doll. Kachina carvings are representations of ceremonial Kachinas and are kept in the homes of religious Hopi families. 

Whereas traditionally Hopi katsina dolls were carved by the katsinam in the kivas (underground caves or chambers) and were used entirely within Hopi culture, since the late 1800s many dolls have been carved as art objects and sold to the general public. Market demand has increased Hopi production of the dolls while adding new technical skills and styles to the Hopi carvers' repertoires.

In recent times, these dolls have also become a highly collectible Hopi art form. Authentic Kachina carvings (or dolls) will always be carved from Cottonwood root. In general, the finest artists bring their Kachinas to life by catching them in motion... perfectly balanced figures caught in action, the more action the better.

Most recent dolls will be signed by their carvers. However, the signing of dolls is a rather "new tradition", therefore older dolls may not be identified nor signed.