Handmade Native American kachina dolls, almost all made by Hopi artists and some of them hand painted, along with a Zuni warrior kachina. Figures include warrior, clown, eagle, owl, butterfly maiden, sun face and dancer kachinas, and some are signed by the artist. Every kachina here is handmade and includes an original certificate of authenticity.
What a Kachina Represents
In Hopi tradition, katsinam are spirit beings, and carved kachina figures represent them. Each figure has its own mask, colors and regalia, and artists work to show the details that identify the spirit, from the shape of the mask to the items held in the hands. Learn more about Hopi art and its traditions in our Hopi guide.
Figures in This Collection
The collection includes warrior and woman warrior kachinas, clowns, the eagle, the horned owl and crow mother, the butterfly maiden, the sun face, the hoop kachina and long hair and feather dancers, along with a kokopelli figure. The collection also includes a Zuni warrior kachina, a reminder that the Zuni also carve figures of their own spirit beings; read more in our Zuni guide.
Size and Display
Dimensions are listed on the product page, and sizes range from small figures that fit on a shelf to tall pieces that become the centerpiece of a room. Keep your kachina out of direct sunlight to protect the paint, away from heaters and humid rooms, and dust it gently with a soft, dry brush. Feathers and fine details are delicate, so handle the figure by its base. Many listings show a representative photo, so the figure you receive may vary slightly in color and detail.
How to Check Authenticity
Authentic Native American art is made by an enrolled member of a recognized tribe, and selling imitations as Indian-made is illegal under the Indian Arts and Crafts Act. Look for the carver's signature where one is present, and keep the paperwork that names the maker. Our guide to telling real from fake explains what to look for.
Choosing a Kachina
Many collectors choose a kachina for what it represents, such as the sun face kachina, which its listing describes as a healing and blessing figure, while others choose by size, colors or the carver's style. Look closely at the photos and dimensions, and read the product page for the name of the figure.