Hopi Kachinas

Hopis are known for their colorful and traditional culture, with Kachinas being central to their spirituality and art. Kachinas are spiritual beings of nature believed to live on the sacred San Francisco Peaks near Flagstaff, Arizona. Hopi men wear elaborate masks and costumes to embody Kachina spirits and perform dance ceremonies in the central plazas of their villages. The Hopis believe these Kachina spirits allow all mankind to live in harmony with nature.

Hopi Kachina carving began hundreds of years ago as a teaching tool for Hopi children. Hopi men would carve traditional Kachina figures and gift them to their children prior to an upcoming dance. There are more than 200 individual Kachinas, and this helped Hopi children to become familiar with the Kachinas that would be visiting during the upcoming ceremony. Hopi Kachina carving has grown from simple old-style dolls to elaborate hand carved sculptures in stunning realism. One thing has not changed, however. Hopi Kachinas are always carved out of the root of the Cottonwood tree. This has religious significance, as the Cottonwood tree roots are very aggressive water seeking roots. As dry farmers who rely on rain for their crops, this is the only type of wood used for Kachina carving. Much of their religion and symbolism has to do with asking for water and rain.

Common Hopi Kachinas and their Meanings

Hopi men embody the Kachina spirits during ceremonies that take place between Winter Solstice and mid-July. The Hopis believe these spirits enable them to live in harmony with nature, ensuring rain, crops, fertility, and good hunting. The Hopi men impersonate these Kachinas by wearing masks and dancing in the plazas of the villages. The dolls, which are carved replicas of the dancers, are given to the children so that they may learn about their people's traditions. The art of carving Kachina dolls has evolved from the old-style block-like figures into today's highly detailed, all-wood dolls with realistic form and action.

Block-like old style Hopi Kachinas

Single all wood doll Hopi Kachina with realistic form

Hopi Snake Dancer Kachina with realistic form

What follows is a chart listing some common Kachinas and a summary of their meaning and significance. This is not a complete list.

Kachina	Meaning	Very Brief Summary/Significance
Bear (Hon)	Courage and strength.	Represents great power to cure the sick.
Eagle (Kwahu)	Rules the sky	Represents strength and great power.
Wolf (Kweo)	Great hunter.	Teacher and pathfinder.
Ogre	Disciplinarian of the children.	Represented as black or white.
Owl (Mongwa)	Intelligence and wisdom.	Keeps rodents in check.
Deer (Sowi-ingwu)	Dances to increase his kind,	therefore, ensuring abundance.
Ram	Dances to increase his kind,	- and has power over the rain.
Snow (Navak'china)	Bringing snow and cold weather is essential for the growth of crops.
Badger (Honan)	Cure the sick.	Prayers for the growth of healing herbs are given to him.
Lizard (Monongya)	Fighting kachina.	Brings sweethearts together.
Crow Mother (Angwusnasomtaka)-	Guardian of children.
Corn Maiden (Kachin Mana)	Purifies women who grind the corn for ceremonies.
Hummingbird (Tocha)	Appears as a runner.	He is a brilliant impersonator.
Morning Singer (Talavai)-	Appears on rooftops and sings to waken the village.
Buffalo Warrior	Assures there will be adequate food for winter.
Wolf Warrior	Assures there will be adequate food for winter.
Buffalo	A very powerful kachina.	Kills evil thoughts and is a spiritual protector.
Hototo	Prepare food.	Most respected war kachina.
Antelope	Dances to increase his kind.	Brings rain.
Shalako (Rain)	Most magnificent.	Towers seven feet high. Brings rain.
Mudhead	Powerful kachina who acts as a clown and enforcer.
Butterfly	Lands on flowers, used by the medicine man.
Kokopelli	Hunched back flute player.	Brings rain and fertility.
Sunface (Dawa)-	Warmth and shelter for the elderly, a bright future for the young.
Broadface (Whipper)	Carries yucca whips to enforce community cleansing.
Left Hand	Reverse kachina, does everything in the opposite.
Chasing Star	Represents planets and stars.	Returns fallen stars to the sky.
Snake Dancer	Send messages with the snake to ask for rain.
Hilili	Guard kachina is known for the call he makes.
Long Horned	Brings long life.
Long Hair	Brings rain.	Always singing. Has a long beard that represents rain.
Fancy Dancer	Fan passes prayers to the heavens.
Traditional Dance	Entertainer.	Passes along prayers.
Eototo	Kachina Chief.	Controls the seasons. Knows all ceremonies.
Aholi	Lieutenant to the Eototo.	Accompany the Eototo to bring rain.
Squash	- Important as a plant.	Signifies food source.
Mouse	Hero of Second Mesa.	Rid village of a pesky chickenhawk.
Clown (Koshari)	Powerful enforcers entertain crowds.

Tanner Tradition in Ruidoso, NM has a vast selection of Hopi Kachinas and also Kachinas from other tribes.