Kachina Dolls of Oraibi

• The Kachina Dolls of Oraibi

Overview

• The village of Oraibi is located in the Hopi Reservation in northeast Arizona.
• Oraibi is believed to be the oldest continuously inhabited village in North America.
• It was first settled nearly a thousand years ago by the Anasazi, known for their artistic creations.

Hopi Artistry

• The Hopi are descendants of the Anasazi and continue their traditions in pottery, rugs, and baskets.
• Kachinas are unique, carved wooden figures that exemplify Hopi artistry.
• These figures are sculpted from cottonwood root and range from a few inches to two feet in size.
• Kachina figures have ornately carved masks painted in bright colors and adorned with shells, feathers, and stones.

Kachina Carvings

• They are representations of the Hopi spirit world.
• In Hopi belief, everything in the world is inhabited by a spirit.
• Harmony with these spirits leads to peace in the world.
• The carvings represent spirits of historical figures, plants, animals, the sun, moon, and stars.
• Spirits are believed to be on Earth from late December to late July.
• The Hopi perform ceremonies with masked and costumed dancers who impersonate the spirits.
• Some kachinas are benign and gift-bearing, presenting children with carved dolls.
• Kachina dolls are not toys but hold religious and social significance.
• They are hung on walls to educate children about history, behavior, and religion.
• Malevolent spirits are also represented, searching for the disobedient in the village.
• Demon kachinas have a grotesque appearance, scaring those who see them.

Tourism and Change

• Outside visitors were not common in Hopi villages until the late nineteenth century due to difficult paths.
• The construction of roads made access easier, leading to tourists visiting Hopi villages.
• Tourist came to observe religious ceremonies in the spring and summer.
• Tourists purchased kachina dolls as souvenirs.
• Hopi carvers increased production to meet tourist demand.
• Kachinas became larger and more action-oriented to appeal to tourists.
• The size of kachinas was increased by adding pieces with glue.
• Carvings were altered to differ from those used in Hopi ceremonies due to objections from some Hopi.

Contemporary Kachina Carving

• Many Hopi carvers continue the tradition using the same materials and tools.
• Collectors purchase kachinas directly from carvers or from gift shops.
• Some carvers have achieved renown, with their work valued in the thousands of dollars.
• The National Cowboy Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City displays over sixty kachina dolls.
• The Heard Museum in Phoenix, Arizona, holds a collection of over four hundred dolls, many donated by Barry Goldwater.