Handcrafted Navajo Kachina Dolls

Whether you are new to the Southwest or are a Southwest native, the story behind Kachina Dolls is really special.  The Hopi tribe were the ones to first begin to make Kachina Dolls.  These Hopi Kachina Dolls, also known as katsinas, are the representation of the Hopi deity and have much religious significance and meaning attached to them.  They were originally made to be given as gifts to children so that the children could learn the stories behind each doll, and the religious significance of each one.  The Hopi make their Kachina Dolls by carefully carving cottonwood root and hand painting each one.  No two dolls are alike, as each one is hand made!  Hopi Kachinas can be very expensive-due to the amount of work and effort that has to go in to each doll.

The Navajo tribe really enjoyed these Hopi kachinas, so they began creating their own.  Unlike the Hopi Kachina Dolls, the Navajo kachina has no religious significance.  They are not hand carved from cottonwood root as are the Hopi katsinas.  The body parts of the Navajo kachina are machine made, and the dolls are then pegged and glued together.  They are, however, finished by the Navajo.  Each of our Navajo Kachina Dolls are individually handcrafted and hand painted.  Because of this, no two are alike in feathers or clothing.  Navajo kachinas can be more affordable than the Hopi, since it is not hand carved from cottonwood root.

You will know a Kachina Doll is authentic by looking at the bottom of it.  There, you should be able to find the name of the artist responsible for creating that kachina.  Head to our site, www.bowlinonline.com to view our selection of beautiful handcrafted Navajo kachinas!