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Art of the Southwest by Canyon Country Originals
The Hopis have a pantheon of some 400 different Kachinas. Of these, there are probably less than 100 that are found in the roster of modern carvers. We present here a selection of the more popular figures, although by no means all of the popular ones.
The Hopi people are farmers. They live in an area that receives less than 12 inches of rain a year. Understandably, they have a great concern about raising their crops in this semi-desert, for it means the difference between starving and existing. Rain is essential.
Left-Handed Hunter Kachina by Lowell Talashoma, Sr.
Rituals were developed over the centuries to bring the blessings of the rain-makers to their crops. To this effort was added rituals for planting and tending. The Kachinas, personified by Hopi participants, perform their ceremonies to bring about spiritual blessings and harvest success.
The Kachina carvings, or dolls, were originally intended as educational tools to teach the younger children appropriate rituals. Today, these carvings have turned into an original art form. Most collectors refer to these carved representations simply as "Kachinas," or for the purists, "Katsinam."
By way of explaining the following descriptions, we make a number of references to the Hopi winter ceremonies. The Kachina ceremonial year extends from mid-December, winter solstice, to mid-July. The very important winter solstice ceremonies in December are called the Soyal ceremonies, or opening of the kachina season. It begins when a few of the sleeping Kachinas wake up, "come down from the San Francisco Mountains," and set about rites to strengthen the individual, the clan and the village. With the arrival of the false spring of February comes the second great set of ceremonies, the Powamu, or Bean Dance ceremonies. This is when the world is readied for the new season of growth. During this period the children are initiated into the Kachina Cult and readied for their growing season, just as the land will be.
Just so you know, we have borrowed liberally from the book, Hopi Kachinas by Barton Wright. If you really want to know more about the Hopi way, you need this book. Barton Wright knows more about the Hopi culture than any other living Anglo. It is a small book but packed with information. He describes some 650 Kachinas, and their importance to the Hopi people.
We sell nothing but quality Kachinas, because we limit our selection only to those carvers we consider to be the better artists among the Hopi Mesas. Also very important: these are all hand-carved and only by Hopi carvers.
Kachina Special Orders—If you would like a specific Kachina carved for you, see below for our plan to help you obtain just the carving you want.
Kachinas Part 1 and Part 2
We are showing over 60 Kachinas in our present web gallery. To speed loading of the images, we have broken them into two groups. The first group, on this page, is Part 1 and includes those Kachinas we normally have in stock. They are ready to deliver, at this moment. Part 2 is a group of Kachinas we have previously sold. We show these "sold" Kachinas for two reasons. First, so you may see a group of the more popular Kachinas carved by various, top-of-the-line kachina carvers. Second, so you may see a kachina or a carver that you would like to buy through a special order. For Part 1 Kachinas, continue to scroll down this page. For Part 2 Kachinas, click here — Go To Part 2.
To order, call 1-800-401-1192, 1-520-529-5545 or go
to our
Order Page.
For an enlarged view of any picture, simply click
on it.
- All dimensions are approximate. -
Part 1 Kachinas
In Stock, Ready to Deliver
Leo Lacapa
Leo Lacapa is a carver that we highly recommend for the collector who wants a quality piece at a reasonable price. Leo is from First Mesa, above Polacca. His representations are very accurate, his proportions are very good. One of the reasons that this is so--Leo regularly participates in the First Mesa kachina ceremonies. In his early 50s, he is a long-time carver.
Because Leo's work is in high demand, we regularly stock many of his kachina carvings. However, if we are out of stock, it is temporary. Please call us, and if your selection is not in stock, we will order it, custom made for you. Leo can carve any of the recognized Hopi kachinas. If you do not see it here, we can have it custom carved for you. Custom figures take only two to three weeks.
Item# K49-Leo Lacapa, Yellow Ahote Kachina.
The Yellow Ahote (Siky A'hote) Kachina appears to be derived from a
Plains Indian of some variety, because he wears a long trailing eagle
feather headdress. The kachina appears in the Mixed Dance, and is
presumed to be a good hunter. Also appears with blue body paint.
Figure 10 1/2" tall, overall 12 1/2" tall.
Price: $700.
Item# K31-Leo Lacapa, Old Man Kachina.
Old Man Kachina (Wuwuyamo) is the portrayal of an elder who
comes to the clowns and all who will listen to help them right their
wrongs. He holds rattles in one hand, to gain attention; and a bag or
gourd of corn seeds in the other. He appears in the mixed kachina
dances, and may come and ask the clowns to plant corn, from the seeds
he carries. He appears on the first day of the Bean Dance, and also
during the summer plaza dances.
Figure 10" tall, overall 12" tall.
Price: $600.
Item# K32-Leo Lacapa, Situlili Kachina.
Said to be a Zuni Kachina, but not on any Zuni list. Wears a Hopi
snake dancer's kilt, and appears during the summer snake dances. For a
view of the back of this Kachina, click
here.
Figure 9 1/2" tall, overall 11 1/2" tall.
Price: $600.
Item# K51-Leo Lacapa, Long-Haired Kachina.
This Kachina is a bringer of gentle springtime rains and flowers.
This dancer's long hair, worn loose down the back, resembles the
falling rain, with the eagle breast plumes rising like clouds above
it. His songs are melodic and the dance a beautiful one to see in the
springtime, and is a favorite of the Hopi.
Figure 9 3/4" tall, overall 12" tall.
Price: $600.
Item# K52-Leo Lacapa, Warrior Mud Head Kachina.
Known to the Hopis as Kipok Koyemsi, this Kachina functions as a "hunter"
of the clowns, and has been seen to chastise the other Kachinas who
appear with him in the mixed Kachina dances. He often threatens these
other Kachinas with punishment for their misbehavior. He frequently
appears in the summer time with other clowns.
Figure 9" tall, overall 12 1/4" tall.
Price: $600.
Item# K50-Leo Lacapa, Snake Dance Set.
Snake Dancers are actually social dancers who appear in mid-August.
During the performance, the Snake priests, accompanied by the Antelope
priests, dance with live rattlesnakes and/or bull snakes in their
mouths. This dance has been closed to non-Indians since 1986, a result
of over rowdy Anglo spectators. Because of superstitions, these
dancers are seldom carved.
Figure 8" tall, overall 8 3/4" tall.
Price for the set: $1,200.
Item# K33-Leo Lacapa, Buffalo Maiden Dancer.
Appears in the plaza dances at the beginning of the winter season,
with mixed Kachinas. As a symbol of the first snow, she has a dusting
of white on her headdress. Over her left shoulder, she wear a Hopi
wedding belt. She carries a spectacular shield on her back, featuring
their sun symbol. For a view of the shield on the back of this
Kachina, click here. The
Buffalo Maiden is a dancer, not technically a kachina. She supposedly
came from the Plains Indians by way of the Rio Grande Pueblo Indians.
Figure 9 1/2" tall, overall 10" tall.
Price: $600.
Item# K84-Leo Lacapa, Cloud Kachina.
(Omau-u) This kachina is one of several Cloud Kachinas, including the
often carved Cumulus Cloud Kachina. The Omau-u is more colorful, and
does not represent a specific kind of cloud. These Kachinas appear in
the Going Home Dance (Niman) which is held in mid-July and is the time
when the Kachinas go to their ancestral home in the San Francisco
Mountains above Flagstaff. This is the time of year when the Hopis
pray for rain to make their corn crops succeed. If everyone is happy
and the dancers are having a good time, the village will be gay and
colorful. In this atmosphere, the real Kachina spirits will pause as
they pass, and the rain will come to the thirsty fields, and the
springs will be replenished. If the people are hostile, the Kachina
spirits will avoid the villages, and there will be no rains. For a
view of the back side of this Kachina, click
here.
Figure 11" tall, overall 13 3/4" tall.
Price: $600.
Youvella Family
Item# K85-Teno Youvella, Turkey Kachina.
(Koyona) The Turkey Kachina appears with the other Bird Kachinas in
the kivas at night and in the Mixed Dances of late spring. The Turkey
is primarily a First Mesa Kachina. Like the other birds, their
importance is bringing rain, and whipping the the clowns. It is not
often carved. For a view of the back side of this Kachina,
click here. For a view of the head
and face, click here.
Figure 9" tall, overall 9 3/4" tall. Wingspan 11"
Price: $650 SOLD.
Item# K81-Preston Youvella, Black Ogre Kachina.
(Nataska) The Ogre Kachinas appear during the February Bean Dance,
Powamu. They make horrible noises, and scare the children. As a
threat, the Hopis use this Kachina to aid in the discipline of their
children. (The Hopi boogy man.) For a view of the back side of this
Kachina, click here.
Figure 8" tall, overall 10" tall.
Price: $450 SOLD.
Item# K86-Preston Youvella, White Bear Kachina.
(Kocha Honau) This Kachina represents great strength. Of the Bear
Kachinas, the White Bear is the most popular, because of the color
contrasts against the white background. This Kachina appears in the
dances and opening ceremonies of the Kachina season, which begins in
December. For a view of the back side of this Kachina,
click here.
Figure 8" tall, overall 8 3/4" tall.
Price: $450.
Item# K87-Preston Youvella, Morning Kachina.
(Talavai) The Morning Kachinas appear in pairs, and sing songs from
the rooftops, waking the people for the February dances. Sometimes
they are joined by Tawa, the sun Kachina, welcoming back the sun as it
rises above the horizon. They also appear with other Kachinas in the
February Bean Dance ceremonies, and are often standing in a set to one
side of the main movement of the procession. Occasionally, they sing
as they stand holding their spruce trees and ringing their bells. This
is one of the most picturesque of the Hopi Kachinas. For a view of the
back side of this Kachina, click here.
Figure 8 1/2" tall, overall 10" tall.
Price: $450.
Horace Kayquaptewa
Horace is from Hotevilla, Third Mesa. His brother and mentor is Brandon Kayquaptewa, who is noted for his life-like carvings (and expensive). Horace, in his late twenties, is rapidly coming to be considered among the high-level carvers. At the moment, he is good, and relatively inexpensive. His work is destined to rise.
Item# K37-Horace Kayquoptewa, Ogre Woman Kachina.
Ogre Woman, Soyok Wuti, is a First Mesa Kachina. She appears
during the Bean Dance on all three Mesas, although in slightly
different forms. On First Mesa, her job is to teach discipline to the
children, using the long crook to catch them and frighten them. For a
view of the side of this Kachina, click
here.
Figure 7 3/4" tall, overall 8 1/2" tall.
Price: $875 SOLD.
Item# K39-Horace Kayquoptewa, Antelope Kachina.
The Antelope Kachina, Chöp, appears in the Plaza Dances,
either as a group in the Line Dance or as an individual in the Mixed
Dance. He, as well as all other herbivorous animals, makes the rains
come and the grass grow. He usually dances with a cane and often
accompanied by the Wolf Kachina as a side dance. For a view of the
side of this Kachina, click here.
Figure 10" tall, overall 13 3/4" tall.
Price: $1,500.
Lowell Talashoma
Lowell Talashoma passed away in May, 2003. We still have the White Buffalo piece shown below. We are leaving the Left Hand Hunter piece on exhibit, in his honor. He was famous for carving the Left Hand Hunter, sort of his trade mark. These pieces will show what a great Hopi carver we have lost.
Item# K71-Lowell Talashoma, White Buffalo Dancer.
The White Buffalo Dancer, Kocha Mosairu, is actually not a
Kachina, but one of the star social dancers. He is usually seen in the
month of January, particularly in the kiva dances on Second Mesa. He
is said to be an import from the Rio Grande Pueblos, since they
regularly traded for buffalo skins with the Plains Indians. For a view
of the back side of this Kachina, click
here.
Figure 14" tall, overall 15 1/2" tall.
Price: $3,900.
Item# K62-Lowell Talashoma, Left-Handed Hunter Kachina.
The Left-Handed Kachina, Siyangephoyadx, is one of the Hunter
Kachinas, and is always shown with a bow and arrow, and sometimes with
a throwing stick. He is called Left-Handed, because his gear is
reversed, and to draw an arrow from the quiver, he must use his right
hand, rather than his left as is normal. The Left-Handed Hunter
Kachina has become almost a "trade mark" for Lowell, and is
the figure most sought by collectors of Lowell's carvings. For a view
of the back side of this Kachina, click
here. For another example of Lowell's Left-Handed Kachinas, see
the illustration at the top of this section.
Knelling figure 8 1/2" tall, overall 14 1/4"
tall.
Adrian Poleahla
Item# K48-Adrian Poleahla, Crow Mother Kachina.
Crow Mother, Angwusnasomtaka, is considered by many Hopi to
be the mother of all Kachinas (although not the wife of Eototo). Crow
Mother carries a bundle of yucca fronds, just in case the children
need a little discipline. She appears during the Bean Dance on all
three Mesas, although on the Third Mesa, she is called Crow Bride.
For a view of the back side of this Kachina,
click here.
Figure 8" tall, overall 11" tall.
Price: $1,500.
Item# K65-Adrian Poleahla, Red Tail Hawk Kachina.
Red Tail Hawk, Palakwayo, is one of the chief Kachinas in
Second Mesa ceremonials. He appears on Third Mesa as a warrior and a
guard. For a view of the back side of this Kachina,
click here.
Figure 8" tall, overall 11" tall.
Price: $1,500.
Item# K66-Adrian Poleahla, Broadface Kachina.
The Broadface Kachina, Wuyak-kuita, is among the guards who
prevent any transgression on the path of the Kachinas. Often called
the Broadface Whipper Kachina, he carries yucca fronds that he uses
frequently, particularly on clowns, who are terrified of him. He is an
important figure in the winter Bean Dance procession. For a view of
the back side of this Kachina, click
here.
Figure 81/2" tall, overall 11 1/4" tall.
Price: $1,500SOLD.
Item# K63-Malcom Fred, Parrot Kachina.
The Parrot Kachina, Kyash, is on of several Kachinas credited
with bringing abundant summer growth to the corn farms of the Mesas.
The feathers of the parrot were prized by prehistoric Indian groups.
Feathers and even live parrots were trade up into the Four-Corners
areas, all the way from Central America. For a view of the back side
of this Kachina, click here.
Figure 7 1/4" tall, overall 8 1/4" tall.
Price: $1,.500 SOLD.
The Honyouti Brothers
Item# K64-Brian Honyouti, Badger Kachina.
Brian is the elder brother of the carving Honyouti Brothers. Here he
has carved the Badger Kachina (Honan). Actually, there are two
depictions of the Badger Kachina—the old Hopi Badger Kachina and
a more recent import from the Rio Grande. Here, the main figure is the
oldstyle Badger Kachina, but Brian has carved the head mask of the
newer style in the back of the base, as shown on the right. The old
Hopi Badger was a curing kachina, and is said to have been brought to
the Hopi Mesas from a prehistoric village to the North. For a close-up
view of the newer style headmask for this Kachina,
click here.
Figure 5 1/2" tall, overall 7" tall.
Price: $1,200.
Item# K47-Loren Honyouti, Great Horned Owl Kachina.
(Mongwa). This Kachina continually scraps with the clowns. When the
boisterous clowns enter a plaza, the owl arrives and stands in a
corner. He looks on with displeasure. After several more appearances
by the clowns, they become even louder and more obnoxious. Each time
the owl watches, disapprovingly, and issues stern warnings. At the
clowns' last appearance, the Owl and the Warrior Kachinas descend upon
the clowns, douse them with water and whip them with yucca fronds.
They leave the clowns yowling with remorse. For a view of the back
side of this Kachina, click here.
Figure 8" tall, overall 11" tall.
Price: $2,000 SOLD.
Item# K46-Loren Honyouti, Red Beard, Long Hair Kachina.
(Angak'china). The Kachina that seems to be everywhere, in the Hopi
Mesas and in many Pueblos along the Rio Grande. They appear as a group
and sing a very melodious song, which may be the reason they are so
popular. They appears in many Kachina dances. These Kachinas bring the
rains and flowers, and as a symbol of this power, carry a green corn
stalk in their left hand. The Long Hair Kachina appears in a number of
very similar forms, as Louren has shown on the base of this carving.
Loren is well know for his embellishments on the base of his Kachinas.
For a view of the back side of this Kachina,
click here.
Figure 9" tall, overall 13 1/2" tall.
Price: $2,500 SOLD.
Item# K77-Loren Honyouti, Butterfly Maiden Kachina.
(Palhik Mana). This is one of the more colorful kachinas in the Hopi
pantheon. The tablita on the doll's head is simply spectacular. She
appears in dances held in several of the Hopi villages on First,
Second and Third Mesas. She is often referred to as one of the "corn
grinding maidens," a part they hold in some of the dances. The "Palhik"
comes from the custom of the women drinking a very thin gruel as food
when they dance during one of the long ceremonial. For a view of the
back side of this Kachina, click here.
Figure 9 1/2" tall, overall 15 1/2" tall.
Price: $2,700 SOLD.
Item# K80-Koshari Clown Kachina, Michael Dean Jenkins.
(Koshari or Koyala). This is the clown that the Hopis have exported
from the Rio Grande Pueblos. The Hopis frequently call it the Hano or
Tewa clown, since these are the "adopted" Hopi people who
escaped from the Rio Grande area during the Indian revolt of 1680.
These clowns are sometimes considered to be fathers of the kachinas.
They have the usual actions of pueblo clowns, engaging in loud and
boisterous conversations and immoderate actions, including gluttony.
For a view of the back side of this Kachina,
click here.
Michael
Jenkins is a character, himself. Until a few years ago, he was a
guitar player in a rock band, and did some carving. In 1997, he won
best of show at the Museum of Northern Arizona, and decided that he'd
become a serious carver. As a sort of pay-back, Michael has done a lot
of work to encourage newer Hopi carvers. In this Koshari, he shows the
figure "taking a break" from the day's activities, leaning
against a tree trunk and taking a smoke. We asked him how he carved
the face so realistically. His answer, "Don't look now, but that
is my face, and I did it by just looking in my mirror." In 2000,
Michael won a First Place ribbon, and a Best of Division.
Figure 11 1/2" tall, overall 12 1/4" tall.
Price: $3,500.
Item# K67-William Kootswatewa, Flower Kachina.
The Flower Kachina, Tsitoto, is one of the most colorful of
all the Kachinas. An ancient Kachinas, he appears on all three mesas,
and participates in the Mixed Dances and the Bean Dance. The many
bands of color and the multi-colored feathers present a rainbow-like
appearance. He looks like a walking prayer for summer, bringing on the
season's many colorful flowers. A mountain kachina, he carries a fir
tree in his left hand. Bill signs his carvings "Wm Koots."
If I had a name as long as his, I'd shorten it, too. Bill is also from
another group of famous brothers who carve, including John
Kootswatewa. For a view of the back side of this Kachina,
click here.
Figure 10" tall, overall 13 1/4" tall.
Price: $2,250.
Item# K60-Ambrose Tewa, Sun Kachina.
The Sun Kachina, Tawa, is a representation of the spirit of
the Sun. He sometimes appears with the Early Morning Kachinas
(Talavai), welcoming back the sun as it rises above the horizon. The
group stands on the house tops and perform their ceremonies. He also
appears in several of the winter dance ceremonies. Ambrose is from
another group of famous brothers who carve, including Dennis Tewa. For
a view of the back side of this Kachina,
click here.
Figure 9 3/4" tall, overall 13" tall.
Price: $1,500 SOLD.
Item# K70-Nate Jacob, Early Morning Kachina.
Early Morning Kachinas, Talavai, appear in pairs, and sing
songs from the rooftops, waking the people for the dances. Sometimes
they are joined by Tawa, the sun Kachina, welcoming back the sun as it
rises above the horizon. They also appear with other Kachinas in the
Bean Dance ceremonies, and are often standing in a set to one side of
the main movement of the procession. Occasionally, they sing as they
stand holding their spruce trees and ringing their bells. This is one
of the most picturesque of the Hopi Kachinas. For a view of the back
side of this Kachina, click here.
Kneeling figure 9 1/2" tall, 11" if standing
erect, overall 11 3/4" tall.
Price: $1,600.
Item# K61-Nate Jacobs, Eototo & Ahole Kachina Chiefs
(Eototo Left) Chief of all the Kachinas, Eototo controls the seasons,
and is the leading figure in the Bean dance. During the Bean dance, he
offers a blessing of cornmeal for each of the villages attended,
praying that clouds will come to the pueblo and bring life-giving
rain. He is the spiritual counterpart of the Village Chief. •
(Ahole Right) As Eototo's lieutenant, Ahole appears in Bean dance.
Ahole walks with Eototo and reinforces the Chief's blessings.
Eototo: (left)
Figure 6 3/4" tall, overall 7 1/4" tall.
Ahole: (right)
Figure 6 1/2" tall, overall 8 1/2" tall.
Price: $1,500 for the pair. SOLD
To order, call 1-800-401-1192, or go to our
Order Page.
For an enlarged view of any picture, simply click
on it.
- All dimensions are approximate. -
Go to Kachinas, Part 2
Kachina Orders
The 60+ Kachinas that you see in Part 2 are actually Kachinas that we have recently sold; therefore are not in inventory. We display them, because we can take orders for them and have them custom made for you. One advantage—you always get a fresh, newly carved doll. Also, we are able to show you a wider variety of figures and a wider variety of carvers. Since these are all hand made, no two figures are exactly alike; but a carver's style is very dependable. To assure that you get the Kachina you want, we guarantee satisfaction.
If you would like a Kachina not shown, we can help you obtain just the carving you want. Most of the carvers above will also make any Kachina that you can find in the rosters included in the books by Harold S. Colton and by Barton Wright. (See recommended books at the end of this section.) Prices will be pretty much what you see in the above listings. Delivery time is six to eight weeks, depending upon the time of year. When you place an order, we contact the carver a get a firm price and approximate delivery time. Upon your approval, we place the order. A non-refundable deposit equal to one-third of the price is collected upon placing the order. Call our 800 number and we will give you a firm quote and delivery schedule.
A note about sizes: All sizes are approximate. Figure sizes measure height from the top of the base to the top of the Kachina's head. Overall sizes measure from the bottom of the base to the very top of the Kachina's headdress, as for instance the top of a feather in a Kachina's head band. Also, when a figure is bent over, as in dancing, for example, we have not tried to estimate the Kachinas full height were it standing erect; we have just taken the actual height as it may be positioned.
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About Hopi Katsina and Hopi Kachina
Many people, including the Hopi themselves, call these figures "dolls." Somehow, looking at the superb carvings, we personally, cannot bring ourselves to describe them as "dolls." Therefore, we are going to borrow a term we first saw used by author Helga Teiwes in her book about Kachinas.
Ms. Teiwes, museum photographer at Arizona State Museum, explains it this way. To the Hopi, it takes spiritual strength to overcome their difficulties and adversities, and to encourage growth and fertility in their crops. They gain this strength through a series of complex religious ceremonies and prayers to their deities. They must approach these many deities through intermediaries they call "Katsinam." These are the live figures who dress in appropriate costumes, and dance and act in the social and religious rituals (Katsina refers to the spirit itself, plural is Katsinam.) Effigies of the spirits are called "Kachina dolls" by the Hopi. So we are going to stick with calling them Kachinas.
The Hopi do have dolls given to the children, but they are not the Kachina figures we see in the shops and galleries. In days past, the carved Kachina figures were used as teaching reminders for the children as they grew up and were prepared to become members of their family's society. As such, these Kachinas had no base, but rather were hung on the walls of their living areas for viewing by the children. These teaching aids have now grown into true sculptures that rival those of any age. The Hopi artists, both self taught and schooled, have brought a new emphasis on muscle and bone detail, and representational action. Some of them are marvelous to behold.
Ms. Teiwes points out another important concept regarding Hopi. They call themselves "Hopíitu." This translates to "the friendly people," or "the peaceful people." And, indeed they are.
Recommended Books: My favorite, "Kachina Dolls, The Art Of Hopi Carvers," by Helga Teiwes, 1991, The University Of Arizona Press, Tucson, AZ. For detail of the Kachina figures, "Hopi Kachina Dolls," by Harold S. Colton, 1959, University of New Mexico Press, Albuquerque, NM; also "Hopi Kachinas: The Complete Guide To Collecting Kachina Dolls," by Barton Wright, 1977, Northland Press, Flagstaff, AZ. For a very beautiful book emphasizing premier carvers and their works, "Hopi Kachina Dolls And Their Carvers," by Theda Bassman, 1991, Schiffer Publishing, Ltd., West Chester, PA. Every serious collector should have this book!
