What is the Kachina spirit?

What is the Kachina spirit?

Kachina and the Pueblo Indians A kachina is an ancestral spirit of the Pueblo Indians. There are more than 500 of these spirits, and they act as intermediaries between humans and the gods. Kachinas are also represented by small wooden dolls, carved and decorated by the men of the tribe.

What is a Mudhead Kachina?

Kachina figures, known as the clown Kachina, or Koyemsi, are called Mudhead Kachina. Seen in most Hopi ceremonies, the Mudhead Kachinas play the role of entertainment and laughter at the Hopi dances. They drum, dance, play games and may act as announcers for events.

Are kachina dolls valuable?

According to Kachinadolls.com, an ancient Kachina doll sold for $250,000. The best contemporary fine art examples can sell for as much as $50,000. However, most Kachina dolls are worth $100 or less. The key to a valuable Kachina doll is intricate carving and decoration with quality materials, as well as age.

What do kachinas do?

Although not worshipped, each kachina is viewed as a powerful being who inspires only respect and honor and, if given that respect, can use their powers for human good: to bring rainfall, healing, protection and fertility. Hopi kachina dolls are neither idols to be worshipped nor icons to pray to.

What are kachinas used for?

Hopi katsina figures (Hopi language: tithu or katsintithu), also known as kachina dolls, are figures carved, typically from cottonwood root, by Hopi people to instruct young girls and new brides about katsinas or katsinam, the immortal beings that bring rain, control other aspects of the natural world and society, and …

What is a Navajo Mudhead?

The Mudhead is one of the most well known Kachinas and can take the place of any other Kachina during a ceremony. He is reddish-brown and is said to have been painted with mud from the bottom of a sacred spring. Mudheads play many different roles; dancers, drummers, announcers, singers and clowns.

Are kachinas real?

Overview. Kachinas are spirits or personifications of things in the real world. These spirits are believed to visit the Hopi villages during the first half of the year. The local pantheon of kachinas varies from pueblo community to community.

What are the Kachinas and why are they important?

Hopi kachinas In many ways the Kachina rites are the most important ceremonial observances in the Hopi religious calendar. To the Hopis, kachinas are supernatural beings who visit the villages to help the Hopis with everyday activities and act as a link between gods and mortals.

Are Kachinas Hopi or Navajo?

kachina, Hopi katsina, in traditional religions of the Pueblo Indians of North America, any of more than 500 divine and ancestral spirit beings who interact with humans. Each Pueblo culture has distinct forms and variations of kachinas. Kachinas are believed to reside with the tribe for half of each year.