Although this wooden doll is marked "Navajo" on the bottom, indicating it was made by Navajo craftspeople for commercial purposes, true Kachinas are a tradition of the Hopi people, who are part of the Pueblos, Native Americans of the southwestern United States.

Kachinas are individual, supernatural entities of the spiritual world of the Hopi. The term also describes the dancers who preform renewal ceremonies in the guise of Kachinas (by wearing masks and costumes) as well as the small wooden dolls that possess specific Kachina attributes. The latter are highly distinctive examples of Native American art and are highly prized by collectors.

The "Navajo" figure shown stands 3" tall (plus the height of the feather) and is handpainted. Note: Kachinas lack religious significance to the Navajo culture; unlike the Hopi dolls, Navajo Kachinas like this are not made from cottonwood root but are a less expensive version sold to tourists.

More Native American exhibits:

Indian Root Pills	Kickapoo Indian Sagwa	Kokopeli	Navajo Sand Painting
Totem Poles