One of the more popular Hopi souvenirs, the colorful Kachina Doll, represents the culture, religion and history of the Hopi people. Seeped in ancient folklore, part of the ceremonial dances, these religious icons reflect the proud heritage of the Plains Indians. One of the most sought-after dolls, the White Buffalo Kachina, has become one of the favorites of both collectors and carvers.
Definition
The Kachina Doll is not really a toy but a religious icon representing a human spirit, animal, water or cloud in Hopi mythology. Although the White Buffalo Kachina Doll is not a real Kachina--it represents the dancer but has no mythological connection--in the truest sense of the word, it does appear with its human dancer in many ordinary ceremonial dances.
Significance
Called Kocha Masairu, the White Buffalo is not a messenger from the spirit world to bless crops, bless people, set laws as the true Kachina. He represents the clown or Chuchkut and falls into the non-Kachina category. He not only still delights Hopi children during January in the Kiva dances on second Mesa (part of a Hopi reservation in Navajo, Arizona) but is treasured by both collectors and carvers alike.
Characteristics
Carved from a chunk of light and sturdy cottonwood root, usually during the planting season from late December to July, the doll slowly emerges from the wood as the carver adds each detail and finally paints it with traditional colors, usually turquoise, black and white. Kocha Masairu may have horns and hand-painted designs on his head, and he might carry a bow, a shield, a lance or a ceremonial gourd while his boots may be made of fur and painted black and white. Accessories such as hand-painted leather, rabbit fur, seashells, feathers and yarn may be added.
History
Since this doll was not part of the old traditions, the idea for it may have been borrowed from the Rio Grande Pueblo tribes who traded for buffalo skins from the Plains Indians.
Uses
Hopi men, dressed in the images of the Kachina dolls, perform ceremonial dances during festivals that celebrate such themes as seasons, harvests, and tribal events. During the dancing they give the Kachina dolls to the Hopi children to remind them of the ritual and the mythology connected to the dance. Since they represent the history of the Hopi people, these dolls are not toys and are treated with respect.
Market Value
Since real Kachinas are made by only a select few Hopi carvers today, they can be quite valuable, not only monetarily but for sacred purposes as well. Antique, as well as modern ones, sell between $800 to $50,000, going to collectors of Native American art and to museums.
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