kachina dolls

The term kachina (kah-chee-nah) has long been used by outsiders to refer to any of the hundreds of spiritual beings central to Hopi religious life, as well as to the dolls that depict them. However, according to the Hopi, katsina (kahts-ee-nah) is more correct and preferred. Also, whereas in English the plural of kachina would be kachinas, in the Hopi language the plural of katsina is formed by adding 'am', katsinam. --From Guide To Hopi Katsina Dolls by Kent McManis.

A life-long fascination in Hopi culture, and the collecting passion of co-owner Kent McManis, eventually led him to write Guide To Hopi Katsina Dolls. In the book Kent shows how the eternal spirit of the katsinam manifests itself in the works of some of the most skilled Hopi carvers.

Grey Dog Trading Company specializes in some of the finest Hopi katsina dolls available in the southwest. We feature the work of these pre-eminent artists as well as the carvings of talented newcomers. We hope you enjoy the beauty and exquisite detailing of these fine works of art.

We recommend that you only purchase dolls by Hopi or other Pueblo peoples (such as Zuni). So-called Navajo kachinas are simply poor copies or completely made up figures such as "Medicine Men." They are often produced on a lathe, factory-line style, and have no religious or cultural significance whatsoever.

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