[Mottles]

Hi All, thought I'd share a couple Kachina dolls I just finished. They are gifts for two couple friends visitng from England in September.
The dolls stand 7 1/2" tall including the cottonwood stand. The red ears, red speaking tube, back hair piece and sashes were carved separately and attached with wood glue.
I decided to use a pheasent feathers as opposed to carving a feather as I usally do, felt it would be less likely to brake in transit. The stone beads are real and a first for my Kachinas. I used artist acrylic paints and will finish with a matt varnish spray. The skirt was left the natural color of the wood, except for the black trim.
As always I appreciate your comments.
Kathy

[Banjo]

Kathy, I've always admired your Kachina dolls and these two are no expception. They're perfect gifts for your friends from England! I'm sure they'll be proud to receive them. Excellent work! ~ Joy

[gene messer]

Kathy .. Those are really pretty .. Your painting is so good ...

What wonderful gift's . I know they will cherish them ...

Gene

[Paul_Guraedy]

Carving parts separately and the addition of feathers and stones is traditional especially for the "bellyache" style dolls. The base looks like cottonwood. Did you go traditional with the wood for the doll also?

I understand that many of the Hopi woodcarvers are going back to these historical syles and getting away from the "dancing dolls" of today.

Excellent carvings in a very traditional style.

[Joy]

Beautifully done! I'm sure they will be appreciated. I plead ignorance....what do they represent?

[Mottles]

Hi Joy (Banjo), thank you, I sure hope so--I think they will.

Hi Gene, thank you,

Hi Paul, thank you too, Yes, it's my understanding also that the 'bellyacher' dolls are returning. I do feel it takes more skill to carve the dancing kachina (katsina) dolls. I carved one doll with attached arms and haven't carved anymore. LOL There is just something enduring about the bellyacher that appeals to me. Paul, I used basswood for the doll and a cottonwood limb for the base.

Hi Joy and thank you, my kachina are based on the Hopi Indians of Arizona. The Hopi believe the kachina live in the San Francisco Mountains just north of Flagstaff, AZ. The Kachinas make themselves apparent in clouds, mist, and steam, but the Hopi are the ones who make them visible in costumes, dancing, and dolls.
Kachinas are respected spirits, but they are not worshipped. They have a partnership with the Hopi, each giving gifts to the other. The Kachinas have things the Hopi want, such as rain,and a guarantee of a fruitful harvest.
Hopi men wear Kachina costumes and perform dances in ceremonial chambers known as Kivas. The Kachina dancers carve wooden dolls in the likeness of a Kachina that are given to girls and women so that they can have a direct connection with the Kachinas. Infant are also even Kachina dolls, not to play with but to hang on the wall so they can become familiar with Kachinas.
There is much, much more about the Kachina dolls, but I think this will help answer your question.
I love carving and painting Kachina dolls for my own self, and have all the respect for the Hopi and their spirits. When carving these Kachina dolls I alway think kind thoughts.
Kathy

[Thor]

I like the attention to detail and the addition of real stones and the feathers.
I learn something everyday on this board. The Native American culture out west is very different from the Cherokee culture we have in my area.

Do you do research in museums? or do you have a family heritage that inspires you?
Thor

[Mottles]

Originally Posted by Thor

I like the attention to detail and the addition of real stones and the feathers.
I learn something everyday on this board. The Native American culture out west is very different from the Cherokee culture we have in my area.

Do you do research in museums? or do you have a family heritage that inspires you?
Thor

Hi Thor, I seem to be getting more into detail as I learn more about these Kachina dolls. My family heritage from my Grandfather is Comanche. In my research I have discovered the Comanche also had Kachina like dolls. I plan to make a pattern and carve a Comanche doll. I do love to visit museums where these Kachina dolls and Indian works are present.
We have a museum in Prescott called the Smoki and it has an extensive collection of Hopi and Navajo dolls. It's been great because they allow non-flash photography. So I can photograph all sides of a Kachina I'm interested in learning to carve. The Heard Museum in Phoenix, AZ. has probably the largest collection of Kachinas and is a beautiful museum.
Well, I've answered your questions and then some--probably more than you wanted to know. LOL
Regarding the Cherokee, I've seen some of their basket work and it's really nice.

[brian bailey]

Great job on your dolls Kathy.

Not being from the south west, I didn't understand the significance of these dolls. Very interesting history, thanks.

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Good job on them Kathy! We have a pretty good collection of kachinas too all different styles....