Kachina Dolls & Carvings

The Native American Kachina dolls that we think of today are finely detailed woodcarvings depicting Hopi dolls and other Pueblo deities and sacred dancers. The Native American Indian Artisans of the Hopi Pueblo are known for their fine pueblo pottery and beautiful Indian baskets but as to the art of Kachina carving, only the Hopi have made the Kachinas into the art form it is today. “Kachina” is a Hopi word with many meanings and is probably best defined as ‘sacred’ but it also describes the masked dancers of the Hopi acting as spirit messengers at ceremonies during certain parts of the year. They perform the sacred rites of the kiva and bring blessings upon the Hopi people.