- The Artifact Collection Gallery Catalog
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- Kachinas, Dolls, Tabletas & Rattles
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- Hopi Kachinas under $500
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- 211115-08 Hopi Kachina, c. 1880-1990; Sun; 9" by Melbert Pongyesvia
211115-08 Hopi Kachina, c. 1880-1990; Sun; 9" by Melbert Pongyesvia
The Hopi celebrate spirits related to almost every aspect of life. The spirits, otherwise known as “kachina“or ”katsinam”, are emulated in special figures or dolls handcrafted by Southwest Native American known as the Hopi Tribe Indians. They are often masked Indian dancers in brilliantly colored costumes. They embody the spiritual and earthly elements of life. In fact, there is a Kachina for every purpose and to date, there have been over 900 Kachina figures created.
As part of the Native American tradition, teaching through storytelling used items like the Kachina as a visual for the elders to share and to impress upon students how powerful these spirits are. Kachina dolls can vary in size anywhere from a few inches to almost two feet tall. They can also range in price depending on the artist and the type of materials used. Authentic Kachinas should be accompanied by the artist’s signature and a certificate if bein