Kachina, or katsina, are natural spirits in the Hopi religion. As such, they are sacred, and the few kachina figures the Hopi make are not for sale to outsiders. However, the various names and forms of these kachinas have been well documented, and the Navajo, whose reservation surrounds that of the Hopi, have no qualms about carving these fascinating figures and selling them to anyone.

What is the fascination of collecting kachina tihu? First, they are human based and therefore touch the like-to-like cord that makes people make and collect dolls and other human-shaped artifacts. Second, the variety of kachinas are multitude, so a collection of all of the natural spirits is unlikely to ever be complete. Finally, the healing or guiding spirit of the Hopi kachinas is one that even non-Hopi can relate to and desire.

Collecting kachinas can be approached in a number of ways. Some of the best carvers have a standing like that of the most famous painters, and their kachinas are sold from expensive art galleries. The demand for these carver’s works can be inordinate and the prices quite high. The output of these carver’s is also quite limited, increasing the prices that can asked for their works and the length of time some collectors must wait to acquire one.

Some collectors prefer to collect based on the character of the kachinas, and specialize in hoop dancers, mudheads or eagle kachinas. There are many kachina makers who make the popular forms over and over again, with some small, acceptable variations, although the dress and attributes of most of the kachinas is pretty well defined. Personally, I like the gourd kachina best, and as it is not commonly produced, my collection grows slowly.

Some collectors look at the size of the kachina as well as the character portrayed when deciding what to buy. Loretta Multine and her helpers produce a line of kachinas that are under two inches in height with the relevant details included in the figure so it remains identifiable. There are even kachinas smaller than that, although it begins to be difficult to identify them or name them on the bottom as they get smaller and smaller.

These kachinas are shown in a box with three inch tall spaces.

Most kachinas are made from cottonwood roots, traditionally, although other wood is no doubt used with the volume of kachinas made today. I have also seen kachinas made from the polymer clay now available in crafts stores, and these are very nice as well. No doubt there are kachinas made from other materials as well.

If you are interested in Hopi kachinas, there are a number if good books available that will identify the various kachinas as well as impart their importance in the Hopi religion as far as we outsiders know it. There are also books on the best kachina carvers of the late Twentieth Century and today, which can help you educate your eye for the difference between good and best in kachina carving. If you do buy kachinas, please remember to treat them with dignity, as you would want the emblems of your religion treated.

The pictures in this page are by the author.

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