Katsina Dolls Kachina date back to the 18th century and are steeped in the traditions and rituals of the Hopi Native American tribe. These dolls are commonly referred to as both Katsina Dolls and Kachina Dolls. They were created to be effigies and as such were not intended to be utilized as toys or tourist objects. Inevitably, however, over time they have gained favor with collectors and many people, and souvenir shops, make their own versions.

Authentic Katsina Dolls Kachina will always contain realistic proportions, meticulous attention to detail and hands with open fingers. They will also be made with only one piece of wood. A telltale sign of a Katsina doll that is simply a tourist trinket rather than an authentic object is the presence of glue. In order to be authentic, however, the piece does not need to date back to the 18th or 19th century. Artisans of the Hopi tribe continue to hand carve these dolls so it is possible to get your hands on a newly created and authentic doll.

Although Kachina dolls are effigies and are not meant as toys, they have been traditionally made for children. There are four main types of the dolls, each made to represent a different stage in a child’s postnatal development; Patsqatihu for infants, Muringputihu for female infants, Putstihu taywa’yla for toddlers and Tithu for girls who are 2 or older.

Each of the colors and symbols expressed on a Kachina doll has a symbolic meaning; for example, the color black was used to represent Nadir, which is the Hopi name for the underworld. There are several other common symbols and colors, including the usage of a phallic symbol to represent all aspects of fertility. Studying an ancient Katsina doll will allow the viewer some insight into the world of the Hopi individual who created it.

There are at least 200 different authentic Katsina doll designs and many of them utilize animals instead of people. Among the most popular are the eagle, wolf and the bear. The eagle is called Kwahu by members of the Hopi tribe and the Kwahu Katsina represents a very important bird to the Hopi people. They consider a visit from one to be an honor. The wolf, also known as Kweo, has long been revered by the Hopi people for being a powerful hunter. The bear, referred to as Hon, is believed to be a great and powerful warrior.