Kachina - pronounced (kuh CHEE' nah).
For centuries, different tribes have made Kachina Dolls to use in religious ceremonies. The term "Kachina" refers to a masked and costumed dancer representing various spiritual and natural aspects of life. Kachinas are friends, guardians, or messengers to the Gods. They are believed to have supernatural powers, bestow blessings and nurture life. Kachina dolls carved from the cottonwood root were originally presented to the women and children of the tribe but now are made for others to enjoy. All kachina impersonations are performed by males, including the figures representing female Kachinas.
Kachinas have become a part of many cultures and religions. A kachina is simply a spirit that represents animals, characterizations of people, crops, sun, earth, stars and the moon. For the Navajo People, kachina dolls mean more than just representations; they are a way of life, Navajo Tribes have adopted the tradition of crafting and using kachina dolls as their own. Navajo kachina dolls have become as much of a collectible as the fine jewelry, rugs, pottery and the countless other crafts which the Navajo make. The Navajo People are well-known for their outstanding artistic talents, which seem to be present throughout a large number of Navajo families.
The Navajo kachina doll derives from Hopi and Zuni kachinas and being that all of these reservations are very close to one another, especially the Hopi and Navajo which are side by side, it seems that each Tribe has (in some way) adopted each other's traditions whether it be kachina dolls, weavings, pottery, or jewelry. We hope to inform collectors about Navajo kachina dolls, and explain why they are so important to the Navajo People, not only as income for their family, but we know that the artists who make these wonderful dolls hold a great deal of respect for the kachina and what each doll represents.
Each Kachina Doll is initialed and titled by the artisan who created it. Each Kachina Doll is assembled by hand and is hand painted, and has different accessories and clothing, and there may be slight variations and different colors between the dolls pictured and those received when ordering. Some of the components (such as the skirt and shells) of these Kachina Dolls are not made by Indians.
At BearlandersTradingCo.com we have just received a number of Navajo kachina dolls called a Shalako, which refers to a Native American Indian dance ceremony. This kachina doll is hand carved from a cottonwood root, with intricate etching and is hand painted in beautiful, vibrant colors and unique patterns. Our kachina dolls have been hand crafted by the American Indian artist T. Yazzie, well known for her intricate detailing and vibrant colors.
The Shalako dance is performed on a mesa, giving thanks to the gods for an abundant harvest. The artist used the root's natural bends and curves, capturing the dancer holding its robes tightly around itself as it moves in the wind on top of the mesa. These kachina dolls are beautiful, and each doll is unique in its etching and coloring, creating a one of a kind collectable.
