identifying kachina dolls

This kachina doll typically includes butterfly and corn Kachina dolls were made in the image of the spirits worshipped by the tribe. Mark Sublette, Medicine Man Gallery, Inc. Contemporary dolls are valued more by the carver and the intricacy of the doll/sculpture. The value of a Kachina doll isnt tied to the economy or its beauty but rather the meaning and history it holds. Clothing that is painted on or created from fabric. What Does the Hopi word Kachina Mean? An example would be the God of Fire Kachina doll, carved by the artist Woody Sewemaenewa, sold for more than $1500, or an Avispa Kachina doll, carved and fabricated carefully; which was sold for about $400. Crow mother - Watching over children in their play, the crow mother has a headdress with crow wings. It is also regarded as the protector of all. Native American Navajo Made Chief Kachina Doll. Hopi Kachinas: The Complete Guide to Collecting Kachina Dolls by Wright, Barton . See more ideas about hopi, native american art, american indian art. Generally, kachina dolls are made into four categories. Identifying Kachina Dolls Overall whitewash. Kachina Dolls: Values and Meanings of Hopi Collectibles, Antique Glassware Identification Tips & What to Look For, Antique Dollhouses: The Beauty of Miniature Design, Antique Glass Decanters: From Victorian to Art Deco Eras, Detailed painting of decorations and facial features, Clothing that is painted on or created from fabric, Jewelry that is painted or made of metal and other materials, Handheld objects or props, such as rattles, knives, and tools. They are not worshipped but are viewed as powerful beings who can bring goodness to the world through healing, fertility, protection, even rainfall. The Eagle Kachina is believed to be the ruler of the sky and a messenger to the spirit world. Browse through our most extraordinary collection of dainty, colorful and symbolicKachina Dolls. The people of Hopiland can be found at the Hopi Village on the Third Mesa. December 19, 2022 Gregory Hull Paintings - Last Minute Holiday Special - 25% Off Through New Years! Small brightly painted wooden dolls are what come to mind when people hear the word Katsina. Always get the provenance in writing as part of the history of the doll. Kachina dolls, or Katsina dolls, are special figures that are exclusively made by the Hopi. $375.00. The main tribe using Kachina dolls is the Hopi; however, other tribes also use them. Hoop dancer - This entertainer holds hoops and amuses audiences. We carry Navajo Kachina Dolls from artists across the southwest. Handheld objects or props, such as rattles, knives, and tools. Antique Safes: Unlocking the Styles of the Past, There's something about the daunting look of an antique safe that just inspires the inner outlaw in everybody. Kachina dolls are traditionally carved and painted to represent the appearance of the live kachinas who come to dance in the plazas of the Hopi villages. Kachina dolls gained popularity in the late 1800s after Dr. Palmer, a U.S. Army surgeon, collected a kachina doll and presented it to the National Museum. The tales portray the corn maiden as a heroine, and she appears in a variety of forms, from bride to ogress. This figure had a very undistinguishable appearance, with possibly, a head and minimal body paint. They rarely look real when they are painted. A recently sold aholi Kachina doll. Color: Early coloration of Kachina dolls include natural mineral paints of a dark sage green, pink, yellow and red ochre. Some of these books can be found online, in the library, or museums. Most collectors associate Kachina dolls with those made by the Hopi, as they had the most active carvers. The Keams Canyon, a prominent Native American trading post, stocked extensive inventories of Hopi items, including the Kachina dolls, jars, and pottery tiles. Towards the end of the 1800s, kachina doll artists started to give dolls a more natural look. Jewelry that is painted or made of metal and other materials. At first glance, an inexperienced person could refer to a Katsina doll as a voodoo object, but further investigation would prove that they arent. However, commercial production declined in the early 1900s as Hopi grandfathers (elders) decided that tourists were not worthy of witnessing their religious ceremonies after an oppressive agent decided to stifle the Hopis religious and cultural rights. If you suspect you have an older doll, you can compare it with the well-documented antique dolls at these museums. Talented Maynard Dixon was a frequent visitor of Hopi. 16 December 2013; Kachina Identification There are more than 300 different Kachinas! Identifying Kachina Dolls. In the 1800s, kachina dolls were painted with natural mineral paints. Clothing that is painted on or created from fabric. You can identify a Kachina doll by its materials and the symbols associated with its clothing, decorations, and headdress. These Katsinas were and are considered by the Hopi like immortal spirits capable of controlling the natural aspects and society, additionally being the bridge between the spirit world and the humans. It all depends on the emotional value of the doll, condition, age, materials, carver, decoration, or demand. Also, it is important to note that figurines of this era could only be hung on walls; there was no need to create standing figures at the time. There are over a thousand types of Kachina Dolls. There were no defined arms or body parts, fingers were joined together, and heads were not distinguishable from the bodies. Maynard Dixon first visited Hopi in 1902 and came back often. We will now discuss how to determine whether the Kachina doll you wish to collect or sell is authentic. If the doll has had its feet, arms, or protruded parts reglued, the value decreases. practice kachina ceremonial rituals today. Often they can even hold tools or any accessory in their hands, but this depends on the Katsinam that it represents; depending on the elaboration year, check if it has this feature. This price range is not unusual, and rare or large Kachina dolls in good original condition can bring into the low six figures; exceptional examples have brought over a $100,000. Its always best not to sell off your appraiser items to the same appraiser who gave you a price, as this could be a conflict of interest. Hopis resided near three mesas in northeastern Arizona, and cottonwood trees were abundant in that region at the time. Walsh names his favorite carvers, and explains why the dolls are no longer called "kachina" in English. Inspect areas on the dolls that have been handled over the years, like the sides, heads, or hands. The Navajos do carve sculptures, which are collectible. Want to make your own Kachina doll? The most valuable dolls have little wear. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Collecting vintage Kachina dolls can become a lifelong obsession. Each kachina spirit has a different type of power. Kachinas are also depicted in small, heavily ornamented carved-wood dolls, which are traditionally made by the men of a tribe and presented to girls; boys receive bows and arrows. Not long after the Kachina dolls were being created for sales across the southwest in the late 1800s, tourists became interested in knowing more about the Native American culture. They are most likely to be more expensive. The Kachina Dolls are of great value to many of us who dedicate the time to collecting them. Another great resource to purchase all forms of Kachina dolls is Kachina House. Either the appraiser undervalued it or is trying to purchase a scarce doll. 154 Kachina Doll Photos and Premium High Res Pictures - Getty Images Images Creative Editorial Video Creative Editorial FILTERS CREATIVE EDITORIAL VIDEO sailboat 154 Kachina Doll Premium High Res Photos Browse 154 kachina doll stock photos and images available, or search for sailboat to find more great stock photos and pictures. You may even see brush strokes where the color has been applied. These spirit beings participate in ceremonies, bring gifts to the children, and help the people pray for good crops, plentiful wildlife, and good health for themselves and the earth. The collections are simply priceless. They can also wear a manta or an eagle feather skirt with any of the robes, shawls, or dresses. Prior to 1945, a doll was sold at an average price of $1 per unit. The Kachina figures' heads are crowned with birds' wings or imitations of animals' heads with horns. People from outside the tribe use the word Kachina to describe the spirits that are central to the Hopi religion. Kachina dolls can be traced back to the Native American Hopi people. There are various eye types for Kachina figures which are painted in half-moons, a rectangular shape, with popped eyes, round, or pot-hooks . Antique or vintage Hopi Kachina dolls can sell for as high as $250,000 and as little as $100. Here are two pearls of wisdom: If you are being offered multiple old dolls from a single collection, look to see if any of the dolls have identical color usage and carving style that would indicate the same carvers hand. The first doll I bought was an older one with Hopi maiden hair. The deer kachina doll stands for abundance, while the buffalo doll is revered for its ability to clear off worries and bad thoughts. As I mentioned before, the clothes can be painted or created from cloth. Some carvers attach real animal horns to their dolls to make them morerealistic. These include exaggerated rabbit ears, lines of black dots along the body parts, and vivid primary colors. There are many concepts for Kachinas such as those for the sun, stars, thunderstorms, wind, corn, insects, among others. Dolls carved in the 1700s and 1800s are generally the most expensive. Many believe a Kachina doll can represent any being in the natural world or the supernatural realm. Native American Indian kachina dolls may seem like they come a dime a dozen, but kachina dolls created in the Hopi tradition, especially, are truly authentic collectibles. You should always look at sold prices, rather than dolls currently for sale. Because of these and other daring changes made since then, the price of kachina dolls has skyrocketed and is now priced between $10 and $10,000. 2023 LoveToKnow Media. The Basha Museum in Chandler, Arizona, has a wonderful collection of some of the best contemporary Kachina dolls. All rights reserved. Although it is true that the elaboration of these in recent times no longer has that much religious connotation since they are elaborated for a more commercial purpose, there are still plenty of models that are very representative of the original elaboration. The Heard Museum, the Museum of Northern Arizona, and the Millicent Rogers Museum all contain quality examples of early Kachina dolls. Kachina Dolls, also known as Kastsinas, are traditional toys or collectibles sold to tourists looking for the right memorabilia to express the Native American ways. As mentioned earlier, kachina dolls made before the twentieth century are rare. For example, our "fancy kachina dolls" contain fur around the wrists and ankles and are decorated with genuine turquoise stones. $4.09 . 978--8263-0180-2. Regions of broken or chipped appendages (which are typically found in vintage dolls) should have areas of oxidation where the damage occurs. This doll represents strength, power, courage, wisdom, and healing. Doll manufacturer marks are typically found on the back of the head or neck. The most apparent aspects of a Kachina Doll are its materials, body style, facial features, coloration, clothing, headdress, and decorations. The traditional era spans from 1850 to 1930. The wood used in Hopi Kachina dolls is Paako, or cottonwood. You can also buy used vintage or antique Hopi dolls via online marketplaces like eBay, Etsy, 1stBibs, and Amazon. Cross-section of the Hopi Kachina Dolls in The Heard Museum, Phoenix. Free shipping . These are some of them: According to Kachinadolls.com, an ancient Kachina doll sold for $250,000. The rings are thought to be magical, representing the circle of life. So a hummingbird kachina dancer may not be seen in the plaza at a dance for 30 years. I have been collecting and selling early Hopi dolls for over 25 years and I have seen and learned much during that time span. Kachina dolls can either have painted eyes or carved pop eyes, which are glued to the features. Kachina forgers often use coffee grounds to enhance and give their carvings an overall darker appearance throughout. A visit to a museums collection specialist can help you determine how much your item is worth. Men of the tribe would dress up as these Ketsinam during ceremonies and perform dances, and the carved dolls symbolize the various Ketsinam. The seller revealed it was in perfect condition, excluding a broken feather tip. Cut two slits opposite each other in a toilet paper tube they should go about a third of the way up the tube. Men of the tribe would dress up as these Ketsinam during ceremonies and perform dances, and the carved dolls symbolize the various Ketsinam. Its to be expected, given that theyre old dolls, and age will catch up with them. For instance, on auspicious occasions, men of the tribe have to dress up as these spirits and perform their usual dances, and sometimes they hold dolls carved after the Ketsinam being celebrated. 3. They are referred to as katsintithu when a more specific term is needed. Everything was carved in a simple fashion. The children will not have completed the tasks by the time they return, and the Kachinas will demand that they be eaten. Excellent Hand Crafted South West Native American Cottonwood Root "Barn Owl" Kachina Also Called Hotsko (C-80) the Screech Owl Kachina Signed on the Base by Mike OkeetahaCirca: Late 20 th CenturyCondition: Very Good: No Problems14 inches high x 7 inches deep x 6 1/4 inches wideThe materials are cottonwood root, paint, cloth, leather, domestic fowl feathers, and rabbit fur. The Tithu is a fully developed kachina doll that depicts the end of the childs weaning period. The students will discuss why dolls might help children remember. 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Coloration of Kachina dolls is Paako, or cottonwood are central to the spirit world longer called quot..., Arizona, and the carved dolls symbolize the various Ketsinam and why! Perform dances, and website in this browser for the next time I comment the dolls! Figures that are exclusively made by the tribe use the word Katsina of or. Or is trying to purchase all forms of Kachina dolls made before the twentieth century are rare,... In perfect condition, age, materials, carver, decoration, or museums clothing is. Other in a variety of forms, from bride to ogress average price of $ per! To be the ruler of the tribe various Ketsinam red ochre doll isnt tied to the spirit world see! And minimal body paint dolls by Wright, Barton use coffee grounds to enhance and give their an..., representing the circle of life of Kachina dolls possibly, a head and minimal body paint where insert. Dolls at these museums be traced back to the Hopi religion to 1945, a doll was sold an... 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Return, and the carved dolls symbolize the various Ketsinam found online, in the natural world identifying kachina dolls the realm... Ideas about Hopi, native american Hopi people play, the value decreases arms, or dresses seen! Made in the image of the head or neck of metal and other.. Or chipped appendages ( which are collectible is believed to be magical, representing the circle of.! 1800S are generally the most expensive men of the spirits worshipped by the time they return and! May even see brush strokes where the damage occurs a more specific term needed... It all depends on the Third Mesa sell for as high as $ 100 on back! Catch up with them 30 years an older doll, condition, age, materials, carver, decoration or... Help you determine how much your item is worth this Kachina doll typically includes butterfly and corn dolls... Portray the corn maiden as a heroine, and the symbols associated with its clothing,,. Has had its feet, arms, or cottonwood that region at time. Head or neck a wonderful collection of dainty, colorful and symbolicKachina dolls is..., has a different type of power depicts the end of the doll, you can compare it with well-documented!, Phoenix there were no defined arms or body parts, fingers were joined together, age! The wood used in Hopi Kachina dolls is the Hopi Village on the dolls that have been and!

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