Central to the traditional religion of the Hopi people of the Northern Arizona are Kachinas. A Kachina (Katsinsa) is a supernatural being relied upon to provide rain, fertility, health, and well being. While kachinas play a role in many of the Pueblo societies, the Hopi are most noted and prolific today in kachina doll carving. Each year in elaborate ceremonies, men of the Hopi villages dress and mask themselves for ritualized dances to represent and call on the different Kachinas. Kachina dolls are carved from cottonwood root and have long been used to instruct Hopi children in the ways of the traditional religious cycles, and to help them learn to identify the hundreds of different beings. The carvings convey the movement of the dancer, and the specific particulars of the mask, costume, and accessories. In addition to kachinas, Hopi artists also carve figures from Hopi mythology and folklore as well as other Pueblos dancers.

The Indian Craft Shop features a selection of Hopi carvings from both emerging and well-established artists, as well as occasional selections of Zuni carved kachina dolls. Some of the most popular carvings include Eototo and Aholi (Kachina Chief and 1st Lieutenant), Ogres, Shalako, Eagle, Bear, Wolf and Badger, and clowns to include Koshares and Mudheads. Price ranges on kachina dolls vary from the low $100ís to over $1000. Please contact the shop for our current selection/special requests. If you are interested in learning more about kachinas, be sure to see the ìPublicationsî section for books which are available!