Native American Katsina and Kachina Dolls
Kachina House stocks Native American Hopi and Zuni Katsinam and Navajo Kachinas handmade by tribal artists, the largest selection of its kind for sale. Over 100 Hopi carvers are represented at any given time, alongside more than fifty Navajo Kachina styles in six sizes. Shop authentic Katsina dolls and Kachina dolls online at Kachina House, from miniatures to large ceremonial-style carvings.
Kachinas and Katsinam are not the same thing, and the difference matters.
Hopi and Zuni Katsinam are hand-carved from cottonwood root by Hopi and Zuni artists. Each figure represents a Katsina, a spiritual being associated with rain, harvest, and the wellbeing of the community. No two are identical.
Navajo Kachina dolls carry no spiritual significance in Navajo culture. They are a craft tradition: machine-made body parts are assembled, clothed, painted, and decorated by Navajo makers. Visually similar to, and much simpler than, Hopi Katsinam, as well as materially and culturally distinct.
Zuni carvers produce their own figure tradition, separate from both Hopi and Navajo work. Easily identifiable by the pinned arms that are sometimes moveable.
How to Choose a Kachina Doll
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Artist attribution: Hopi Katsinam at Kachina House carry the carver's name and sometimes the village and the word “Hopi.” Navajo Kachina dolls are identified by the initials of the maker, sometimes their full name.
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Materials: Hopi Katsinam are carved from cottonwood root, lightweight with a specific texture. Navajo dolls are heavier and simply painted. Each is identifiable on close inspection.
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Fragility: These are art objects. Hopi Katsinam have finely painted detail and woodwork requiring careful handling. The Old Style Katsinam also have delicate feathers, shells and accessories. Kachina House ships them packed for protection. Navajo Kachinas are more sturdy and much easier to ship.
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Size: Miniature Katsinam suit display cases and shelves. Full-figure Katsinam are statement pieces. Navajo Kachinas run from small to large fancy styles that can be highly decorated in six size ranges.
Common Questions
- What is a Kachina doll? A Hopi Katsina is a carved figure representing a Katsina, a spiritual being in Hopi belief associated with rain, harvest, and the natural world. Hopi Katsinam are hand-carved from cottonwood root. Navajo Kachina dolls are a separate craft tradition with no spiritual role in Navajo culture.
- Are Kachina dolls sacred? Hopi Katsinam are spiritual beings within Hopi culture. Kachina House carries carvings which are artistic representations of these beings. They are presented in that context. Navajo Kachina dolls are craft objects with no spiritual role in Navajo tradition.
- How do you display a Kachina doll? Away from direct sunlight, which fades painted detail and dries out natural materials. A display case or shelf away from high traffic protects the featherwork, feathers, leather and painted surfaces.
Kachina House is the largest distributor of Native American arts and crafts. Questions? Call toll free at 800-304-3290 or drop us an email.
