History and background
Cultural context
Hopi people live primarily on three mesas in northeasternHistory of the Katsina figure
Except for major ceremonial figures, most katsina figures originated in the late 19th century. The oldest known surviving figure dates back from the 18th century—it was a flat object with an almost indistinguishable shape that suggested a head and contained minimal body paint. Kachina figures are generally separated into four stylistic periods: the Early Traditional, Late Traditional, Early Action, and Late Action periods.Early Traditional era (1850–1910)
The early forms of the kachina figure belonged to the Early Traditional Period. Only one piece of cottonwood root was used to carve the body, although facial features made from varying sources were occasionally glued on. The figures were no longer than 8–10 inches and only somewhat resembled human proportions. Sandpaper and wood finishing tools were generally unavailable to the Hopi in this era. In order to smooth out the rough carved surfaces, the figures were rubbed smooth with sandstone and the flaws in the cottonwood root were coated with kaolin clay. Their surfaces were not as smooth as in later periods, and the paint was made of non water-resistant mineral and vegetable pigments. The figures in this period were stiff and only meant to be hung on the wall after ceremonies. Starting around 1900, the figures began to have a more naturalistic look to them as a result of the white man’s interest and trade. The price of dolls in this period was on average about $0.25 (adjusted for today’s currency).Bromberg 18Late Traditional era (1910–1930)
During the Late Traditional Period subtle changes began to take place towards the creation of more realistic–looking figures. They were more proportional and the carving and painting was much more detailed. Eastern tourist attraction to the Hopi reservation increased in popularity from 1910–1920 due to the increased interest in Native American culture.Teiwes 30. The elders restricted the tourists from seeing the religious Kachina ceremonies, and consequently there was a notable decline in figures carving for commercial purposes.Early Action era (1930–1945)
In the beginning of the 20th century, oppressive agents such as Charles Burton tried to restrict the Hopis' religious and cultural rights. However, in 1934, due to the Indian Reorganization Act, the Hopi people got back their religious freedom, and this thus renewed their interest in kachina figures carving. The dolls began to have a slightly different look than that of the stiff figures from earlier periods. The arms were starting to become separated from the body and the heads became slightly overturned, putting the dolls in more of an action pose. Commercial and poster paints were used and the regalia became more organic, as some of the dolls were dressed in real clothing instead of clothing that was merely painted on. The average price of a katcina figure during this period was about $1 an inch.Late Action era (1945–present)
The Late Action period of kachina figures contains the most variations of carvings than any other period. Most figures of this period display realistic body proportions and show movement, which are distinguishing features of this period. The regalia in this period are more detailed and in the 1960s, carvers began to attach bases to the dolls in order to appeal to the tourists who didn’t want to hang the dolls on their walls. In the 1970s the Endangered Species Act andContemporary Katsina figures
Most Hopi manufacturers today that sell dolls do it for trade and do not necessarily make dolls that reflect authentic . Kachina ceremonies are still held, but have to now be scheduled around the men’s jobs, schools, and businesses and are usually held on weekends. The dolls today are much more exquisite than those of the past and are very expensive. Women carvers are becoming more common, making miniature dolls that are especially popular in the trade. TheFeatures
General features
There are four generally accepted forms of the kachina figures; each form is meant to represent a different stage ofFacial features
There are two types of kachina figure eyes: painted eyes, which can be round, rectangular, pot-hooks, or half-moons, and pop eyes, which are carved of wood and then attached to the figures.Colton 14 Additionally, there are two types of figure mouths. The first is the painted mouth, which can be either rectangular, triangular, or crescent shaped. The other is the carved mouth, of which there is either a horizontal mouth with a wide or narrow beard, a beak that is turned up or down, a tube or a short snout. On the figure's head, there will be either bird wings, ears (typically large and red), cornhusk flowers, hair, feathers, or horns. The horns can either be pseudo-horns or real animal horn.Colton 15 The noses are rarely realistic-looking, except when carved into the wood. Some kachinas also have beards of feathers or red-dyedRegalia
There are several common outfits on kachina figures. Typical maleSymbolism and color
Every symbol, color, and design on a Hopi kachina figure has definite meaning in connection with Hopi religion, custom, history, and way of life. Animal tracks, bird tracks, celestial symbols, and vegetable symbols represent those particular spirits. Other symbols and their meanings are as follows: * A pair of vertical lines under the eyes symbolizes a warrior’s footprints. * An inverted “V” signifies certain kachina officials. * Phallic symbols represent fertility. Certain colors on the kachina figures also have significant directional meanings: * Yellow = north or northwest * Blue-green = west or southwest * Red = south or southeast * White = east or northeast * All the colors together =Determining authenticity
The first sign of a fake kachina doll is if it is "garish or crudely made." An authentic kachina figure will have proper proportioning of the body and no excessive detail. Hands must have separated fingers rather than tightly closed fists. Details in hair and accessories should be meticulously fashioned. The most valuable figures are made from a single piece of wood; signs of glue on the figure indicate a poorly-carved figure. The price will usually reflect the quality, so if a figure seems inexpensive, there is a good possibility it is not a true Hopi kachina figure.Popular Katsina figure types
There are well over 200 types of kachina figures; however, almost no one can identify every single one, as each carver has a different idea as to the appearance and function of each Kachina. There are several popular ones with tourists and Hopi, however. Some of the more popular dolls are the ''Tasapkachina'' (Navajo Kachina),'' Angakchina'' (Long hair), ''Hote'', and animal dolls such as Bear, Bird, and Mouse.Clowns
Clowns also participate in the Hopi celebrations and sacred rituals. They have dual functions. Their most prominent role is to amuse the audience during the outdoor celebrations and Kachina Dances. They perform as jesters or circus clowns while the kachina dancers are taking a break between their performances. As a result of the spectator acceptance of the humor and variety of entertaining antics, clown carvings have been a favorite figure for sale to tourists and collectors. Carvers have found a strong market and challenge to create dolls showing the many whimsical clown actions. Their second and subtle role is in the sacred kachina rituals. The sacred functions of the clowns are relatively private, if not held secret by the Hopi, and as a result have received less public exposure. The ''Koshare'' (or Tewa clown) and the ''Koyemsi'' (Mud-head) are two of the most popular clown doll.Pecina, Ron and Pecina, Bob. pp. 124–38Notes
References
* Branson, Oscar, T. ''Hopi Indian Kachina Dolls.'' Tucson: Treasure Chest Publications, 1992. * Bromberg, Eric. ''The Hopi Approach to the Art of Kachina Doll Carving.'' West Chester: Schiffer Publishing, 1986. * Colton, Harold S. ''Hopi Kachina Dolls.'' Albuquerque: University of New Mexico Press. 1959. * Earle, Edwin. ''Hopi Kachinas.'' New York: Museum of the American Indian Heye Foundation, 1971. * Hunt, W. Ben. ''Kachina Dolls.'' Milwaukee: Milwaukee Public Museum, 1957. * James, Harry C. ''The Hopi Indians, Their History and their Culture.'' Caldwell: Caxton Printers, 1956. * Loftin, John D. ''Religion and the Hopi Life.'' Bloomington: Indiana University Press, 2003. * McManis, Kent. ''A Guide to Hopi Kachina Dolls.'' Tucson: Rio Nuevo Publishers, 2000. * Pecina, Ron and Pecina, Bob. ''Hopi Kachinas: History, Legends, and Art''. Schiffer Publishing Ltd., . 2013. * Teiwes, Helga. ''Kachina Dolls: The Art of Hopi Carvers.'' Tucson: University of Arizona Press, 1991. * Wright, Barton. ''This is a Hopi Kachina.'' Flagstaff: The Museum of Northern Arizona, 1965.External links
{{commons category, Kachina dolls