identifying kachina dolls

Acclaim. Regions of broken or chipped appendages (which are typically found in vintage dolls) should have areas of oxidation where the damage occurs. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. While hardly anyone's going around and cracking open bank safes anymore using stethosc, Drag Racing Memorabilia: History and Value, Drag racing memorabilia has its roots dug deep into the rise of automobile and youth culture in post-war America. The collections are simply priceless. There were no defined arms or body parts, fingers were joined together, and heads were not distinguishable from the bodies. The common colors used were dark sage green, red ochre, pink, and yellow. Generally speaking, dolls with intricate carvings and decorations sell better than those without. Antique or vintage Hopi Kachina dolls can sell for as high as $250,000 and as little as $100. The carvers placed the arms very close to the body. 58-65. Previously, Kachina dolls lacked defined body features. Then we must congratulate you, cause youve made a fair decision. Its worth noting that intact antique dolls are far more valuable than those that arent. Many pages of line drawings of Kachina doll heads with descriptions of each Kachina's typical clothing and accessories are included in the book. Each century since the early 1700s, girls have been gifted these unusual-looking dolls of Native American art. A Hopi Indian will tell you that a kachina is a supernatural being who is impersonated by a man wearing a mask. . The word "Kachina," Katsina. Historic mineral pigments are extremely difficult and sometimes impossible to reproduce, so they are an excellent objective marker for older dolls. Identifying Kachina Dolls. So, if you possess a kachina figurine with a simple design, you may be holding an antique kachina doll. Identifying Kachina Dolls Overall whitewash. Was: $39.00. After the ceremony, children take the dolls to their pueblo and hang them on the wall, or by a string from the ceiling. These can also help you ascertain whether or not a doll is an original Hopi piece. eBay, in particular, allows traders to create or participate in auctions. There are over 3000 kachina spirits. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. They have fully carved facial features and are cylindrical in shape. There were no distinctive features, and only the facial features would indicate that it was a kachina doll. Always make sure wear is consistent with human usage and not from mechanical aging, which is a common practice in making old-style fakes, sandpaper being the most common tool. Antique Safes: Unlocking the Styles of the Past, There's something about the daunting look of an antique safe that just inspires the inner outlaw in everybody. Wood with cracks, as if dried, split, and then painted over, can be a warning sign if the doll is supposed to be vintage, as the wood used historically did not have cracks. How do you identify a Kachina doll? 6 Vintage Hair Accessories to Rock Your Retro Look. It sold for more than $500on eBay early this year. Occasionally juniper was used, which is a dense wood, but its use is mainly a rare exception. We believe that after reading this article, you will be able to do so. Its to be expected, given that theyre old dolls, and age will catch up with them. $32.00. The dolls are individually hand-crafted and painted. However, his most documented visit must be his four-month trip to Hopi in 1923. Valuation: Determining the value of vintage Kachina dolls (1880-1940) is dependant on many variables; one factor includes pieces created before the 20th century, which are rare and generally the most valuable. Authentic Kachina dolls, the figures can be dressed in many different ways. Maynard Dixon first visited Hopi in 1902 and came back often. We previously stated that there are numerous Kachina dolls. Doll artists became creative and began carving out feathers on the dolls, resulting in a new Hopi art form known as kachina sculpture. Small wooden dolls carved in the likenesses of the various kachinas are used to help teach Hopi children the tribal religion and traditions. First, examine the doll thoroughly in good, clear lighting. Katsina Dolls. Their history and symbolism are enriching and attractive; that is why I will talk a little bit about it, as well as some tips for identifying the Kachina dolls. "Kachina" refers both to ceremonial dances in which these impersonators appear and to carved and painted wooden dolls with masked symbolism. Steps. It was sold for $300. As I mentioned before, the clothes can be painted or created from cloth. 7 Valuable Nintendo Games You Just Might Still Have. Kachina dolls are an important part of Native American culture, and they have become a part of our everyday lives as well. The painted mouth is rectangular, triangular, or crescent-shaped, whereas the carved mouth can be horizontal (wide or narrow beard comes with a horizontally curved mouth), a beak, a tube, or a short snout. The dances performed by men and boys are an integral part of Hopi life and culture. At the same time, the Ogres kachina dolls are often used to scare bad-mannered children. Nuvakchin or Snow Maiden Kachina c1890-1900 appears in Snow Dance or Niman Kachina Dance. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. For example, our "fancy kachina dolls" contain fur around the wrists and ankles and are decorated with genuine turquoise stones. Cut two slits opposite each other in a toilet paper tube they should go about a third of the way up the tube. Kachina dolls are physical representations of these spirits. More often than not, Kachina dolls are usually depicted as dancing around a fire during the night, although this doesn't always necessarily have to be the case. They also believe that the spirits are crucial to their way of life, so they create dolls in the likeness of the kachina spirits they worship. The traditional era spans from 1850 to 1930. Kachina Doll Buffalo Warrior 16" high signed handmade Kachina Native American figurine. However, if its impossible to find a local appraiser in your state, you could first check out local museums or settle for online antique reviews. Heluta is considered the father of the Kachinas and is widely recognized as the creator of deer. What is their meaning? Theyre also preferred for these dolls because they have very little shrinkage. Crow mother - Watching over children in their play, the crow mother has a headdress with crow wings. Buffalo - This powerful Kachina can kill bad thoughts and wears a buffalo headdress. However, commercial production declined in the early 1900s as Hopi grandfathers (elders) decided that tourists were not worthy of witnessing their religious ceremonies after an oppressive agent decided to stifle the Hopis religious and cultural rights. Dr. Mark Sublette with thirty years of experience explains what to look for in. What Does the Hopi word Kachina Mean? The early people of Hopi believed that praying with these dolls could indirectly relay their wishes to the spirits. How much are they worth? The most apparent aspects of a Kachina Doll are its materials, body style, facial features, coloration, clothing, headdress, and decorations. Zuni dolls will have articulated arms using metal-headed nails. 978--8263-0180-2. The Black Ogre appears in this form to punish mischievous kids. They depict the spirit that helps the fallen rise back up. Detailed painting of decorations and facial features. Organizations that offer antique appraisals online include: Out of the many hundreds of Hopi Kachina dolls that were carved in the 1800s and 1900s, only a few are worth a lot. Created in 1986, the portfolio explores popular images associated with the American Frontier. All rights reserved. To begin, me and my family are all white with little to no parts Native American. If an antique porcelain doll meets all of the factors for a valuable and rare doll but is in poor condition, not much can be helped when it comes to the doll's value. If we are going to talk about dolls, symbols of Americas popular culture, then probably the initial thought is to think of the iconic Barbie doll. A ruff around the neck. The Kachina doll RARE Hopi Missionary Polychrome Kachina: RARE Hopi Missionary Polychrome Kachina: This is an exceedingly rare Hopi Native American Indian Kachina doll depicting a Spanish Catholic Missionary An avid antiques collector herself, Kate has written about antiques for many years. These people run with the men during the ceremonies. Jewelry that is painted or made of metal and other materials. The type of wood (root) used in carving the doll is the most crucial feature to look at to determine if it is authentic. Black ogre - This Kachina threatens naughty children, and his doll features a black head with large eyes and spikes or feathers. Hoop Dancer - Amuses the audience of a major ceremony. The bear kachina is considered second only to the Badger Kachina in terms of healing power. The dolls are more elaborate than the old ones but usually less expensive, and women are becoming involved in the making of kachina dolls, as opposed to the traditional era when only men made these dolls. The beliefs of the Hopi helped to shape the design for Kachina dolls, as well as other aspects of Native American culture. Those trying to fake old dolls figure if one doll is valuable, then two or even three is even better; the greed factor reveals itself and helps undermine the forger. The Muringputihu is designed for infant girls. Here are two pearls of wisdom: If you are being offered multiple old dolls from a single collection, look to see if any of the dolls have identical color usage and carving style that would indicate the same carvers hand. Some of the common representations of Kachina Dolls include: Ogres, eagles, badgers, mice, deers, rabbits, goats, dogs, foxes, mountain sheep, coyotes, deer, and buffalo are some of the most represented animals. Kachinas are also depicted in small, heavily ornamented carved-wood dolls, which are traditionally made by the men of a tribe and presented to girls; boys receive bows and arrows. Kachina Dolls, also known as Kastsinas, are traditional toys or collectibles sold to tourists looking for the right memorabilia to express the Native American ways. Welcome to Kachina Dolls: A SilverTribe.com Company Kachina Dolls Logo Home Navajo Kachinas Hopi Kachinas All Kachinas Bear Kachina Dolls Badger Kachina Dolls Buffalo Kachina Dolls Chasing Star Kachina Dolls Chief Kachina Dolls Crow Mother Kachina Dolls Eagle Kachina Dolls Hemis Kachina Dolls Hoop Dancer Kachina Dolls Hototo Kachina Dolls Also, check if the carving is one piece or has different parts all glued together. When assessing the condition, here are some pointers that suggest your kachina dolls are fake or not as old as they are claimed to be. Courtesy Native American Art Magazine, February / March 2018, By Mark Sublette, Medicine Man Gallery Tucson, AZ. However, we can bet that youll unknowingly come across at least two fake Hopi Kachina dolls. This article will provide the answers to any questions that you may have concerning kachina dolls. Note that the white bear is regarded as one of the most potent warriors amount the Spirits. They are most likely to be more expensive. Expectedly, the Hopi and the Zuni Intensified their production. The Basha Museum in Chandler, Arizona, has a wonderful collection of some of the best contemporary Kachina dolls. Here are some example Kachina doll values: The best way to find the value of your Kachina doll is to have it appraised by a qualified professional. Kachina dolls can either have painted eyes or carved pop eyes, which are glued to the features. Children are nurtured in a carefully contrived enchantment, a world of spirits and magic. Dolls created by these well-known carvers can bring thousands of dollars. Guide to Hopi Kachina Dolls. An example would be the God of Fire Kachina doll, carved by the artist Woody Sewemaenewa, sold for more than $1500, or an Avispa Kachina doll, carved and fabricated carefully; which was sold for about $400. The most popular dolls are the Tasapkachina, the Angakchina, and animal dolls like the Bear Kachina doll. First, the dolls had more realistic body proportions and were easier to distinguish between body parts. Have you ever looked at one of these adorable little dolls and wondered what it was? Aside from the pointers listed above, you should also keep in mind that a real antique kachina doll will be made in such a way that the body proportions are defined. On the other hand, the ruffs around their necks are elaborated with fox skin, fabric, juniper, or Douglas fir. When the Hopi regained their independence in 1934, there was a resurgence of interest in the dolls, and tourists flocked to the area again. You can learn about kachina dolls from a number of books, including, for a few examples, Wright's excellent guide; Harold S. Colton's Hopi Kachina Dolls With A Key to Their Identification; Walter J. Fewkes 1897 preliminary study Tusayan Kachinas; the Bureau of American Ethnology's 1903 Hopi Kachinas; and Rose Hauk's A Guide to Hopi Kachina . The tales portray the corn maiden as a heroine, and she appears in a variety of forms, from bride to ogress. The Hopi tribe believes that cottonwood trees have spiritual power because they always grow next to a source of watereven in the driest clime. Wilson's Kachina dolls are unsigned, but are identifiable as an artist by his unique characteristics. His origins and history are speculative, but he appears in many Hopi stories as a Hopi Kachina and is portrayed as a seducer of girls, a bringer of babies, and a hunting patron. 1. The Kachina dolls are an iconic symbol of the tribe Hopis beliefs, as well as part of the American native culture. Each kachina spirit has a different type of power. Painted eyes can be rectangular, round, or pot-hooks. There is more to Kachina dolls than the fact that they are made from cottonwood roots. Handheld objects or props, such as rattles, knives, and tools. There is no excessive detailing (like in the case of fingers, they might not have fingers, but they will have hands). Some of these books can be found online, in the library, or museums. They first arrive on the Hopi mesas in February and return to their spiritual homes in July. Clothing that is painted on or created from fabric. They sought to teach the new generations about their wisdom and culture, as the dolls were elaborated according to the imagery of supernatural beings worshipped by the tribe; these were not toys but religious icons to celebrate and contemplate often with dances while the dancers hold the doll in their hands. Handheld objects or props, such as rattles, knives, and tools. Why so much interest? The handcrafters always keep this in mind, which is why you can find Kachina dolls with a rough finish, but with hair elaborated meticulously and well-done figures with realistic proportions. It hosts several kinds of American Indian art, including its music. We will now discuss how to determine whether the Kachina doll you wish to collect or sell is authentic. However, this kind of wear is common in vintage Hopi dolls. Not long after the Kachina dolls were being created for sales across the southwest in the late 1800s, tourists became interested in knowing more about the Native American culture. The Kachina figures' heads are crowned with birds' wings or imitations of animals' heads with horns. The Runners are another set of people who are imitated as dolls. The figure's noses are either carved or painted. It all depends on the emotional value of the doll, condition, age, materials, carver, decoration, or demand. $19.95. During this era, kachina dolls began to take on more distinctive physical characteristics, such as a more pronounced head, the arms becoming separate from the body, and the dolls were carved in such a way that action poses could be deduced. A portion of the dolls are also housed in the British Museum. She has also been depicted as a witch, the daughter of a chief, and a bear woman. This doll represents strength, power, courage, wisdom, and healing. Have you decided to start collecting Hopi Kachina dolls? Early dolls may have nails with square heads. Back to earth! Sun Kachina Also known as Tawa. A ruff around the neck. Kachina dolls have been popular since the mid-19th century, and over 250 unique styles of the dolls have been produced. Understanding the history, meaning, and value of these dolls is an important part of really appreciating their beauty. What are the Most Popular Kachina Dolls? If you pay attention to the symbols, you may notice that these are not there just for decoration. Then, in the 1960s, artists began creating bases or stands for the dolls so that tourists who purchased them did not have to hang them on their walls. The ancient Hopi culture believes these spirits now reside at the place with the snow on the very top. This place is none other than the peak of Mount Humphreys . Either type should contain some impressive, considerable choices at least. Early clothing can be hand spun cotton, calico cloth, or Bayeta trade cloth. At the kachina dances, it is determined by the priests in the Kivas which dances will be performed each season. It is worth noting that the Hopi were the first tribe to start carving Kachina dolls, but several other tribes joined them, like the case of the Zuni tribe, the Laguna tribe, the Aguna tribe, and the Navajos. The Chasing Star kachina doll represents the stars and planets. These last two characteristics of articulation and clothing are typical Zuni attributes. Keep in mind that an original Kachina doll possesses a carved figure with poplars root since it is a wood easy to carve. The diverse Kachina dolls history can be traced back hundreds of years across several tribes, including the Zuni and Pueblo tribes. Ed Mell and Francis Livingston both draw on this imagery occasionally, and its reflected in their paintings of individual dolls and the dancers themselves. The older and contemporary dolls are valued more, especially if they have unconventional intricacies. If you have any questions, suggestions, or comments, please leave them below. These pieces are rarer than those produced during and after the twentieth century. If youd like to get an idea of your kachinas value, look up similar dolls online. These dolls are actually called tithu by the Hopi people. Unfortunately, you will often also see so-called "Kachina dolls", which are made to resemble crude Hopi dolls, in tourist traps, gas stations along I-40, corner road stands, and unreputable galleries. Towards the end of the 1800s, kachina doll artists started to give dolls a more natural look. So, if you come across one of those, it is likely that they will not follow the standard kachina doll pricing. However, the key to its value lies in its carving, decoration, quality materials, and longevity. The Hopi are a peaceful farming tribe who live in northeastern Arizona. 2. Fine scrape marks made from sandpaper along the face or areas that would not normally occur from handling are red flags, especially if the so-called damage has a consistent appearance. Fingers were added later on, and the arms were depicted to be in action. Antique Kachinas carvers used aniline paints and embellishments such as shells, straws, sticks, cotton, corn husks, leather, yarn, and feathers. $4.09 . The female garments may consist of a robe, a dress, or a shawl. The late action era began in 1945, and there were significant changes in kachina dolls. Native American Navajo Made Crow Mother Kachina Doll. These clothes are either carved with wood or made from fabrics. Materials: If you look at the materials, both in the wood that was used to carve the doll and in the materials related to its clothing pieces, you can determine if a Kachina doll is authentic or not. On various ceremonial occasions, the Hopi priests and men visit this sacred land and discreet underground kivas to offer the ceremonial dances to the Spirits. The Kachina dolls are modelled after the Kachina society members in their ceremonial regalia. $23.40. A visit to a museums collection specialist can help you determine how much your item is worth. Kachina dolls, also knowns as katsina dolls, are symbolic and ceremonial Native American gifts. However, my family is from New Mexico and have aquired many Kachina dolls over the years and have always kept them in our house. Symbols: The symbols are a unique part of the Kachina dolls making them easier to identify. These are some of them: According to Kachinadolls.com, an ancient Kachina doll sold for $250,000. Now, let us examine the dolls and their significance. Most one-piece kachina dolls have round, half-moons, pot-hooks, or rectangular painted eyes. Parents will decline, and instead appease Soyok with lots of food. Not to mention that some Kachina dolls and North American art are never put on sale but are shown occasionally at museums and auctions. Contemporary Hopi Kachina dolls are highly sought after, with a single large doll taking months to create, often to be sold within the first week of completion to either a high-end Indian art gallery or a collector who commissioned it. 16 December 2013; Kachina Identification There are more than 300 different Kachinas! [2] Contents 1 Overview . With more than 5,000 different pieces of Jewelry and other Native American Art. The Putsqatihu is made specifically for baby girls usually under a year old. Hemis, in essence, serves to increase ones luck and encourage good fortune. Inspect areas on the dolls that have been handled over the years, like the sides, heads, or hands. Deer - Symbolizing abundant food, the deer Kachina doll has a headdress with antlers. He is the ruler of the sky and the messenger to the heavens. Most collectors associate Kachina dolls with those made by the Hopi, as they had the most active carvers. Remember, there were not that many Kachina carvers in the early 20th century, so dolls are uncommon. Therefore, you can find Katsinas with animal heads, significant for the Hopi culture, like wolf, owl, or deer heads. Feel like a kid again with a collection of nostalgic antique and vintage toys. As Jerusalem is to the Christians or Mecca to the Muslims, Mount Humphrey is to the members of the Hopi Tribe. Overall whitewash. Today, the oldest kachina doll was discovered to be hand crafted in the 1700s. China doll is a doll made out of glazed porcelain. Each child receives a doll made especially for him or her by male relatives. Kokopelli has been incorporated into a number of native American art forms, including jewelry and pottery. This symbolizes the conduit the Kachina doll become between the people and the spirits. These dolls were carved to represent people, insects, animals, birds, plants, and popular forces of nature. Condition. He appears and announces other Kachinas to the people. This kachina doll typically includes butterfly and corn With renewed interest came renewed detailing, and the figurines started to look different than they did in the traditional era. They are known as the Wuyak-kuita, Angwus ( Crow Man), or the Wupamo. It signifies power and strength. The Zuni word "kok'ko" (ko 'ko) refers to spirits and supernatural beings which correspond generally and specifically to kachina of the Hopi. Whether youve made this decision because it appeals to you, is a reasonable investment, or for religious beliefs doesnt matter. Tribes of the Southwest believed that aspects of nature could be personified by Ketsinam. . They were not toys to play with, but religious icons to celebrate and contemplate. The Kachina dolls symbology is rich in its religious connotation, and it is pretty related to nature. Kachina means life bringer in Hopi, and they are also known as Katcina, Qatsina, Katsina, or Kachina. There are artistic wood sculptures depicting Navajo ceremonies, such as Yeibeichei dancers, or ones done in a large format with whimsical imagery. The Heard Museum in Phoenix also has a large collection of both vintage and contemporary dolls for viewing, as well as some contemporary Hopi dolls for sale. Contemporary dolls are valued more by the carver and the intricacy of the doll/sculpture. Browse through our most extraordinary collection of dainty, colorful and symbolicKachina Dolls. During Kachina dances, Heluta is always the first to appear. However, most of the Kachina dolls are from the late nineteenth century. The Tithu is a fully developed kachina doll that depicts the end of the childs weaning period. Hopi Kachina or Katsinam (personations) of spiritual beings, are depicted as beautiful carved dolls. Eagle Kachina dolls have their characteristic feathers as they depict the rulers of the sky. Other noticeable facial features include the ears, which appear large with red paint, feathers, bird wings, hair, and horns. The oldest known figure is from the 1700s. There are numerous examples of "Old Style dolls," which can be legitimate Hopi Kachina dolls done in a simple style reminiscent of the early dolls. Buy with your heart, but do so only after you have taken the time to educate yourself. The Omowuh doll represents the rain bringers. Hopi - Zuni Kachina Many-Colored Warrior of Zenith circa 1930. There are various eye types for Kachina figures which are painted in half-moons, a rectangular shape, with popped eyes, round, or pot-hooks . Kachina-doll; carved of wood; in the form of Mud Head Clown; circle of wood for base; kachina stands on base on right foot, left foot raised behind, arms outstretched; wears case mask on head with round protruberance on either side and one on back, pointed protruberance out top, all decorated with feathers; eyes and mouth protrude from front; painted reddish-brown with white markings, black . nanystreasures. Non-Hopi people interested in purchasing this doll will have to do so without the back and top of the mask due to US Federal regulations regarding the sale of Hemis Kachinas. As a result, the majority of dolls made during this period had rough surfaces and noticeable flaws, some of which were poorly concealed with kaolin clay. One of the most popular Kachinas is the Eagle Kachina doll. Mark Sublette, Medicine Man Gallery, Inc. 2. At the same time, the glued dolls have their eyeballs carved separately. Other decorations include hand-painted or metal jewelry, unusual facial features, ruff around the neck, furs or feathers, and a few times handheld objects or props. In the immediate post-war years, with suburban America providing the perfect landsc, What theMost Valuable LEGO Sets Are Worth (Newor Used Condition). However, clothing is characteristic of Zuni dolls. According to legend, parents ask the Soyok Kachina to help discipline their kids. Native American trading posts like Keams Canyon (founded in 1875) near Hopi carried a large inventory of Hopi Kachinas dolls, pottery tiles, and jars adorned with painted Kachinas. Handheld objects or props, such as rattles, knives, and tools. If you can find the manufacturer mark, or maker's mark, on your old doll, it will give you the most important information needed to identify the doll. Great Book for Identifying Kachina Dolls Derived From Web, Feb 9, 2022. Although it is true that the elaboration of these in recent times no longer has that much religious connotation since they are elaborated for a more commercial purpose, there are still plenty of models that are very representative of the original elaboration. Tawaquaptewa dolls are highly collectible and can bring a thousand dollars for a small piece to many thousands for a large, intricate piece. 15 Most Valuable Antiques Salt And Pepper Shakers, Antique and Vintage Jewelry Box Value Guide, 15 Most Valuable Chinese Figurines: Identifying & Valuing, Different Kachina Dolls and Their Meaning, Determining the Value of your Kachina Doll, Where to Buy/Sell Your Antique Kachina Doll Online. Kachina doll.docx. Prior to their ceremonies, their men create figurines of each katsina required for that particular ceremony, which are then given to their young girls on the day of the ceremony. Figurines (male or female) may also be seen carrying one or more accessories that are associated with what they are known for.

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