How do you identify kachinas?
Identifying Kachina Dolls
- Overall whitewash.
- Detailed painting of decorations and facial features.
- Clothing that is painted on or created from fabric.
- A ruff around the neck.
- Jewelry that is painted or made of metal and other materials.
- Handheld objects or props, such as rattles, knives, and tools.
What are the different kachinas?
The Animal kachinas include:
- Antelope (Chop/Sowi-ing)
- Fox Dancer.
- Great Horned Owl (Mongwu)
- White Bear (Hon)
- Turkey (Koyona)
- Deer Dancer (Sowi-ingwa)
- Badger.
How many types of kachina dolls are there?
250 different Kachinas
There are more than 250 different Kachinas, each with its own separate attributes, representing everything from animals to abstract concepts. The Hopi were the original Kachina Doll carvers, using a single piece of cottonwood root.
What is Kachinas worth?
Most of the kachinas on the market, though, are the contemporary ones, which are made only by the Hopi and the Zuni Pueblo. Many sell in the $300 to $1,200 range, John says, with nicer ones selling in the $5,000 to $10,000 range. The very finest contemporary dolls can sell for as much as $50,000.
Why are Kachinas important to Hopi?
Although not worshipped, each kachina is viewed as a powerful being who inspires only respect and honor and, if given that respect, can use their powers for human good: to bring rainfall, healing, protection and fertility. Hopi kachina dolls are neither idols to be worshipped nor icons to pray to.
Are kachina dolls worth money?
Today, both old and new kachina dolls are among the most desirable collectibles in the Native American crafts market, and sell for a few hundred dollars, up to as much as $250,000 — the price paid for an early and rare traditional kachina.
What is a Hemis kachina?
The Hemis kachina is thought to represent prayers for crop fertility and appears at many of the ceremonies at the Hopi villages. The doll measures 17” height and 6 ½” width, and is in good condition with a reglued arm and a small piece missing from the tableta’s support in the back (see photo). h545 — $1850.
What does crow mother mean?
The Crow Mother is the mother of the Whipper Kachinas and is considered by many Hopi to be the mother of all Kachinas. She leads other Kachinas into the village during Powamu bearing in her arms a basket of corn kernels and bean sprouts to symbolically start the new season properly.
Do Navajos have kachinas?
Navajo dolls, carved of balsa wood, are produced en masse, often by entire families. Arizona newspapers have alluded to the existence of kachina-doll “factories” on the Navajo reservation, though none have been documented.