Great Gift Idea for the Native American Art Collector - Kachina Carvings!

When I first traveled the Southwest, I saw what I thought were Kachinas at most every gift shop. I saw miniature Kachinas that looked collectible and I saw Kachinas carved by both Hopi and Navajo artisans. It wasn’t until I had the pleasure of working with a woman who was Hopi that I learned Katsinas were still a part of Hopi life.

She would keep me entranced with tales of eerie nights on the reservation when sounds of spirits woke her in the middle of the night and the atmosphere was heightened by the shadows of the carved Katsinas lining the shelves in her relative’s home.

Recently, during a talk at the Heard Museum West, in Surprise, I was warned that visitors should not talk to Hopi children about Katsinas as "dolls," and to especially avoid referring to their traditional look as a "costume" or "mask." Hopi children will know more about Katsinas when they go through the puberty ceremony.

I, obviously, haven't been through that ceremony so believe that Katsinas are real and look forward to their appearance throughout the year following the ancient traditions. I also believe wholeheartedly that the Hopi are the only ones that can carve authentic Katsinas as Katsinem (officially the plural of Katsina) are part of the Hopi culture and belief system.

Full Article on Buying and Collecting Kachinas.

Photo Credit: Heard Museum Shop