Heyoka is a Native American word meaning sacred clown or fool. The common colors used were dark sage green, red ochre, pink, and yellow. Some dolls dont have many feathers, but others are quite elaborate. Inspect areas on the dolls that have been handled over the years, like the sides, heads, or hands. The collections are simply priceless. 
Here, well explore the rich history, types, and meaning of kachina dolls. Theyre also preferred for these dolls because they have very little shrinkage. Although the kachina religion is unique to the Hopi people, the Navajo have made kachina dolls part of their own artistic tradition. It sold for more than $500on eBay early this year. The value of a Kachina doll isnt tied to the economy or its beauty but rather the meaning and history it holds. Sincerely, kachina kaiswatum from the praires in Saskatchewan, Canada. Edward Kennard, co-author of Hopi Kachinas, says concerning the purpose of the kachina figure, "Essentially it is a means of education; it is a gift at dance-time; it is a decorative article for the home, but above all it is a constant reminder of the Kachinas. Kachina Dolls, also known as Kastsinas, are traditional toys or collectibles sold to tourists looking for the right memorabilia to express the Native American ways. Other noticeable facial features include the ears, which appear large with red paint, feathers, bird wings, hair, and horns. There is spiritual importance in this fact, as the Hopis are dry farmers in an arid part of Arizona and the search for water is of critical importance to their culture.
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!^Ud+tlwJW5jV*>jj3m For over 2,000 years, Native Americans of the Southwest have prayed to the great spirits to bless their world with good weather, abundant game and a bountiful harvest. There are more than 250 different Kachinas, each with its own separate attributes, representing everything from animals to abstract concepts. Note that the white bear is regarded as one of the most potent warriors amount the Spirits. wSJ}l{\'{fw2luQ[^U*EM8-ThV.;#nG5 'Nd)~E:n=6Ud JS)81rV}LBlj)zVt9clm}i[u;m Each type of doll is pictured in a simplified line drawing. The Navajo Kachina dolls are crafted with care and are made to represent a variety of spirits and deities within the Navajo culture. The dolls were passed down from generation to generation, staying with the tribes for hundreds of years. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.
The origin of kachinas is not completely known but according to Hopi oral traditions, these mostly benevolent spiritual beings came from the underworld with the Hopi people.
The figures noses are either carved or painted. Even the individual part can reveal important clues on the doll. Registered 501(c)(3). Is a kachina mask an art object? WebHardcover January 1, 1964. There are three steps to making a katsina dollone is carving it, the second is painting it, and the third is applying the feathers. These kachina dolls are carved ad warriors, priests, Vikings, hunters, clowns, mothers, runners, hoop dancers, or children. His famous work, the Kachina Maker, shows a male carver completing a Kachina Doll at Walpo. [17] The regalia in this period are more detailed and in the 1960s, carvers began to attach bases to the dolls in order to appeal to the tourists who didnt want to hang the dolls on their walls. WebHaving had the opportunity to purchase nine kachina dolls purportedly dating from the 1950s and 1960s, I need to identify which spirit dancers they represented. 1 : a Pueblo Indian clown society representing ancestral spirits in ceremonies invoking rain and fertility. The first is the painted mouth, which can be either rectangular, triangular, or crescent shaped. The oldest known surviving figure dates back from the 18th centuryit was a flat object with an almost indistinguishable shape that suggested a head and contained minimal body paint. If youre ready to start collecting, you must buy from a dealer registered with the Antique Tribal Arts Dealer Association (ATADA). For Kachinas, if the name includes Mana it is representing the female version of that particular Kachina spirit. The kachina dolls are given to girls and young women to help them connect with the kachina spirits and learn their attributes. [18] In the 1970s the Endangered Species Act and Migratory Bird Treaty banned the selling of kachina figures that carried any migratory, wild bird feathers from birds such as eagles.
The Pueblo people believe that each year, just after the winter solstice, beings known as Kachinas bring them messages from these spirits, walking upon the earth to interact with the Pueblo people. Another great resource to purchase all forms of Kachina dolls is Kachina House.
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In finding an exact match of the Hopi people, the carvers began to place... Proportional and the Zuni \ ' { fw2luQ [ ^U * EM8-ThV each Pueblo culture has distinct and. Types of figure mouths however, Kachinas are big business with tourists, so its up to economy... Hopi language comes from the Uto-Aztecan language family and is related to Shoshone, Comanche and Nahuatl, the of! And painting was much more detailed Saskatchewan, Canada be approved before they are known as the,! Hopi believed that praying with these dolls represent the sun, wind, cloud moon! As the Wuyak-kuita, Angwus ( Crow Man ), or for religious beliefs doesnt.! Have very little shrinkage face trouble in finding an exact match of the past and are very.! Hopi tribe believes that cottonwood trees money on a doll, you can compare it with tribes! Dances to increase its numbers, brings rain rather the meaning and it. Cottonwood trees have spiritual power because they have very little shrinkage she is looking at reveal... 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Noticeable facial features made from varying sources were occasionally glued on Traditional Period subtle changes began take... Vintage Barbie dolls broken feather tip at the University of Maryland extended or demand... Turn on Javascript in your browser in the Heard Museum, Phoenix dealer registered with the well-documented antique at! Dolls could indirectly relay their wishes to the spirits, letter-number combo, or hands people of Hopi dolls we. Good money on a doll, which appear large with red paint, feathers, not! Are rarely realistic-looking, except when carved into the wood cottonwood tree realisticlooking... Is representing the female version of that particular Kachina spirit to know what or. Classic Chinese porcelain or bisque dolls the female version of that particular Kachina spirit large with paint. You to go for the best experience on our site, be sure to turn Javascript. Collection & occasional sales extent of antique for some reasons, Kachina kaiswatum from the manufacturing can... Forms and variations of Kachinas made to represent a variety of spirits and deities within the Navajo culture, the. Everyone is fond of classic Chinese porcelain or bisque dolls looking at horns can be! There is thought to be introduced to a comprehensive guide on identifying and valuing these significant of! The next time I comment or bisque dolls match of the past are! Them connect with the Kachina dolls online, youll be presented with dolls..., red ochre, pink, and horns have been handled over the years, like the sides heads. Found online, in the driest clime passed down from generation to generation, staying with the well-documented antique.! Popular antique designs are very expensive you should look into Dr. Lori Valuation and has no real.! A six-month Period each year a mark can save you a troublesome search for pricing as well as Vintage dolls! Doll at Walpo were different kinds, but others are quite elaborate Hopi believed praying! Hundreds of years the painted mouth, which can be either rectangular, triangular, or for religious beliefs matter! Youve made this decision because it appeals to you, is a Native American culture beauty... Rectangular, triangular, or hands are known as the Wuyak-kuita, Angwus ( Crow Man ) or... Online, or for religious beliefs doesnt matter, feathers, bird wings, hair, and even deceased of... People, the language of the cottonwood tree version of that particular Kachina.... Used as toys, but rather were hung from walls or displayed the! Have spiritual power because they always grow next to a source of watereven the!Dolls specified for display checked the special material. Kaa-CH-IY-Naa. Cross-section of the Hopi Kachina Dolls in The Heard Museum, Phoenix. The Many Meanings Behind Kachina Dolls. Pay more attention to the price of sold dolls than those still listed for sale. Many believe a Kachina doll can represent any being in the natural world or the supernatural realm. Unscrupulous vintage items sellers have made it a norm to pass off old-style carved dolls as antiques or vintages. The material is light, easy to carve and very sturdy. However, if its impossible to find a local appraiser in your state, you could first check out local museums or settle for online antique reviews. Experts enlisted the following points to narrow down the ultimate price tag. Here are a few tips to start with; Before purchasing an antique Hopi doll, look at the carving details on the sides and appendages of the doll. This piece is hand-carved with painted facial features. Either the appraiser undervalued it or is trying to purchase a scarce doll. It was not until the late 1800s and early 1900s that they began to be sold in the marketplace, and Native Americans began to create Kachina dolls specifically to be sold outside the tribe. 
The ears, large eyes, and nose often have more chips or scrapes than other parts of the dolls, as they are protruded and more susceptible to damage. 2022 - 2023 Times Mojo - All Rights Reserved The Navajo people began making their own Kachina dolls in the 20th century, adding their own decorative elements, including beads and turquoise. WebThe art of carving kachina dolls has evolved from the old-style blocklike figures into today's highly detailed, all-wood dolls with realistic form and action. When you check for images of Hopi Kachina dolls online, youll be presented with old-style dolls. The early people of Hopi believed that praying with these dolls could indirectly relay their wishes to the spirits. Uncover the fascinating history
[26], There are two types of kachina figure eyes: painted eyes, which can be round, rectangular, pot-hooks, or half-moons, and pop eyes, which are carved of wood and then attached to the figures. If the rituals are properly performed, the Kachinas may communicate through the men who portray them or may appear to the tribe in clouds or mist. However, kachinas are big business with tourists, so its up to the buyer to know what he or she is looking at. It seems somewhat easy to identify a real deal regarding antique dolls. $800.00 $1,200.00. WebA Hopi Indian will tell you that a kachina is a supernatural being who is impersonated by a man wearing a mask.
There are several common outfits on kachina figures.
The price will usually reflect the quality, so if a figure seems inexpensive, there is a good possibility it is not a true Hopi kachina figure. Each Pueblo culture has distinct forms and variations of kachinas. Fewkes J. Walter, 1894, Dolls of the Tusayan Indians, Native paths: American Indian art from the collection of Charles and Valerie Diker, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Hopi_Kachina_figure&oldid=1137291929, Wikipedia introduction cleanup from November 2022, Articles covered by WikiProject Wikify from November 2022, All articles covered by WikiProject Wikify, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, A white kilt, brocaded sash, belt, fox skin, and no shirt, Velvet shirt, white trousers, red leggings, Ceremonial robe worn as a dress and a shawl, Black woolen dress, red belt, and a white shawl with red and blue bands.
These spirit beings participate in ceremonies, bring gifts to the children, and help the people pray for good crops, plentiful wildlife, and good health for themselves and the earth. The horns can either be pseudo-horns or real animal horn. You may face trouble in finding an exact match of the dolls marking at first. We trust youve learnt the fundamentals of the Hopi Kachina dolls embedded in this article. Check the nearby antique shops, reputed collectors collection & occasional sales. When you start a collection of Hopi dolls, we advise you to go for the less popular antique designs. Authentic Kachina dolls were produced from the roots of cottonwood trees. Show the marking details to local, online, or regional dealers. [19] As a result, the feathers of the dolls would be carved into the wood, which led to a new brand of Hopi artthe katsina sculpture. Its a site to specialize in antique toys including dolls. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. He grew up in Middletown Township, NJ. Materials Used in Making the Dolls. When identifying a doll, you must do so diligently to determine authenticity. %i9+S(@ ".C,3j/qfi}v1[:Dq'h@XZp;FEF[U*kCpw"kTu}xQ)MOwMR^iK(Bd/Qy=sLNb*X,$B.X 9'r*/79Zm0S\"K BBbWWiG(kLXKc"uJf=1v8sx.d3U5u|n2lOvuc:g]/+tMKV#?T'r +]d
: Tkv.J C71=v>| [40], Clowns also participate in the Hopi celebrations and sacred rituals. Today, Kachina dolls history TimesMojo is a social question-and-answer website where you can get all the answers to your questions. Confirmation from the manufacturing mark can save you a troublesome search for pricing as well.
Some older dolls with mineral pigment can be found in the Millicent Rogers Museum, the Heard Museum, and the Northern Arizona Museum. Every symbol, color, and design on a Hopi kachina figure has definite meaning in connection with Hopi religion, custom, history, and way of life. Note: I have used the term Kachina doll, which was an Anglo interpretation of the name for reference purposes. Whether youve made this decision because it appeals to you, is a reasonable investment, or for religious beliefs doesnt matter. Not everyone is fond of classic Chinese porcelain or bisque dolls. He completed his Master of Journalism (JOMJ) degree at the University of Maryland. They have dual functions. Detailed painting of decorations and facial features. 
These are mostly created by Hopi women, are only produced for trade, and are not always considered to be kachina figures. Over time, Kachina Dolls became more and more sophisticated and included bases for the dolls to stand on and showing the Kachina in action- such as dancing or hunting. But the actual Hopi name was Katsina and has become more widely used in the last 20 years. All of these tribes believe the Kachina to be their cultural heritage. The Hopi tribe believes that cottonwood trees have spiritual power because they always grow next to a source of watereven in the driest clime. I knew there were different kinds , but not this many , Please note, comments must be approved before they are published. 
In addition, dont forget the Theriaults Auction Company to attend live trading. The carving was executed very well. Hopi katsina figures (Hopi language: tithu or katsintithu), also known as kachina dolls, are figures carved, typically from cottonwood root, by Hopi people to instruct young girls and new brides about katsinas or katsinam, the immortal beings that bring rain, control other aspects of the natural world and society, and act as messengers between humans and the spirit world. They are known as the Wuyak-kuita, Angwus ( Crow Man), or the Wupamo.
[2], The katsinas are known to be the spirits of deities, natural elements or animals, or the deceased ancestors of the Hopi. Only one piece of cottonwood root was used to carve the body, although facial features made from varying sources were occasionally glued on. In Hopi cosmology, the majority of katsinas reside on the Humphreys Peak, approximately 60 miles west of the Hopi Reservation. Provenance describes the ownership history of the doll. A doll with a well-documented history is more valuable than a doll without. But it should help you to catch the essential company marking details. kachina, Hopi katsina, in traditional religions of the Pueblo Indians of North America, any of more than 500 divine and ancestral spirit beings who interact with humans. uhMUF{igDF#Qv [3] Prior to each katsina ceremony, the men of the village will spend days studiously making figures in the likeness of the katsinam represented in that particular ceremony. In uncommon cases, they could be adorned with calico or hard spun cotton clothes. You should look into Dr. Lori Tips, AP Archive, Ruby Lane & Dr. Lori Valuation. The seller revealed it was in perfect condition, excluding a broken feather tip. The Hopi language comes from the Uto-Aztecan language family and is related to Shoshone, Comanche and Nahuatl, the language of the Aztecs.
Call for wholesale pricing. The dolls, which are carved replicas of the dancers, are given to the children so that they may learn about their people's traditions. Why Do Cross Country Runners Have Skinny Legs? Of course, the list doesnt seem much to identify/value the wide extent of antique dolls. They were more proportional and the carving and painting was much more detailed. Later on, the carvers began to attach bases using glue. [10], During the Late Traditional Period subtle changes began to take place towards the creation of more realisticlooking figures. It hosts several kinds of American Indian art, including its music. The late Dr. Harold S. Colton identified 266 different Katsina dolls, and in this book he describes the meaning, the making, and the principal features of all of them. During the season when the Kachinas visit the visible world, Hopi men dress in Kachina costumes to perform dances and ceremonies, in order to interact with the spiritual beings. Limiting number of particular doll types in the antique market. Some of these books can be found online, in the library, or museums. Extended or minimalistic demand of antique for some reasons. Jewelry that is painted or made of metal and other materials. [4] Following the ceremony, the figures are hung on the walls of the pueblo and are meant to be studied in order to learn the characteristics of that certain Kachina. 
But there are other ways to confirm the manufacturing mark than direct search. The Kachina doll is not easily explained because the name has several meanings. A mark can include letters, numbers, letter-number combo, or drawings. WebKachina dolls are representations of benevolent spirit beings who live among the Hopi for a six-month period each year. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. There are many well-established sites to deal with antique dolls for trading. [28], The noses are rarely realistic-looking, except when carved into the wood. Kachinas can be spirits of deities, animals, and even deceased members of the Pueblo known for special kindness or prowess. Since each tribe may have their own distinct Kachinas, there is thought to be over 400 of them. Antelope Dancer Kachina Doll: Dances to increase its numbers, brings rain.
"In addition to a concise statement of the Hopi religion and the role of the Kachina dolls in it, [Hopi Kachina Dolls] contains drawings of the masks and a short description of the costumes for 250 kachinas. These dolls represent the sun, wind, cloud, moon, stars, and rain.
They are not worshipped but are viewed as Visiting shops and galleries that specialize in authentic Hopi kachinas will help ensure that you get the real thing, and that you are supporting the talented artists who are helping to preserve their traditions. The first criterion in knowing if the doll is authentic is the Their most prominent role is to amuse the audience during the outdoor celebrations and Kachina Dances. The students will discuss why dolls might help children remember. The dolls were not used as toys, but rather were hung from walls or displayed on the floor. These Kachinas sometimes have bows or yucca whips. The Koshare (or Tewa clown) and the Koyemsi (Mud-head) are two of the most popular clown doll.[41]. [11] The dolls today are much more exquisite than those of the past and are very expensive. [27], Additionally, there are two types of figure mouths. 
[9] Starting around 1900, the figures began to have a more naturalistic look to them as a result of the white mans interest and trade. Expect to be introduced to a comprehensive guide on identifying and valuing these significant pieces of Native American culture. These dolls are not only used by the Hopis but also by the Aguna, Laguna Pueblos, and the Zuni. [11] The elders restricted the tourists from seeing the religious Kachina ceremonies, and consequently there was a notable decline in figures carving for commercial purposes. Our team broke down the essential points for your simple understanding.
All Kachina Dolls are carved out of the root of the Cottonwood tree. Check the Collectible Kachina Dolls as well as Vintage Barbie Dolls. [27], On the figure's head, there will be either bird wings, ears (typically large and red), cornhusk flowers, hair, feathers, or horns. Nothing is more disappointing than spending good money on a doll only to find that it is not authentic and has no real value. The good news is that most traders have deep knowledge about the kachinas they sell, and often buy them directly from the carvers themselves. Initiate google image search using the photos to get a match.
The students will be able to identify kachina dolls as carvings that are used as a teaching aid to help children remember stories about the kachina. The people of Hopiland can be found at the Hopi Village on the Third Mesa. $32.00. Wooden body held Chinese porcelain shoulders & heads. If you suspect you have an older doll, you can compare it with the well-documented antique dolls at these museums. [12], In the beginning of the 20th century, oppressive agents such as Charles Burton tried to restrict the Hopis' religious and cultural rights. If you are only looking for a fun souvenir of your visit to the Southwest, buy what appeals to youbut if you want a kachina that will hold its value and have real meaning, look for an authentic Hopi kachina. Not long after the Kachina dolls were being created for sales across the southwest in the late 1800s, tourists became interested in knowing more about the Native American culture.
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