Regular mass-produced kachina dolls cost less than $500 most times. Mainly manufactured in Germany, between 1840 and 1940, they are now sought as collector's items. You may even see brush strokes where the color has been applied. Its elaboration goes back a long time, which is found in the figure with the most antiquity data from the eighteenth century. Feet and arms are often broken and reglued. They rarely look real when they are painted. Painted eyes can be rectangular, round, or pot-hooks. When you start a collection of Hopi dolls, we advise you to go for the less popular antique designs. "Kachina" refers both to ceremonial dances in which these impersonators appear and to carved and painted wooden dolls with masked symbolism. In 1923, Dixon made a four-month trip to Hopi to capture the Kachina societies in pencil and paint. The Aguna, Zuni, and Laguna Pueblos include Kachina dolls in their cultural heritage. If you choose to collect Kachina dolls, learning about these beliefs is an important part of understanding the cultural significance of the art and artifacts you own. or Qatsina, means "life Bringer," in the Hopi language. Kachina dolls are representations of benevolent spirit beings who live among the Hopi for a six-month period each year. Understanding the history, meaning, and value of these dolls is an important part of really appreciating their beauty. 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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. When you check for images of Hopi Kachina dolls online, youll be presented with old-style dolls. 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. They are flat figures with just enough distinguishing characteristics to identify them as kachina dolls. For example, our "fancy kachina dolls" contain fur around the wrists and ankles and are decorated with genuine turquoise stones. This figure is decorated and given detailed facial traits with Paint; in addition, Hopi Indians would adorn their heads with bird wings or ears, which are fabricated with corn husk flowers, hair, feathers, and even horns from real animals. A ruff around the neck. Why so much interest? Hopis resided near three mesas in northeastern Arizona, and cottonwood trees were abundant in that region at the time. In the ceremony, the kachina dancers bring the doll gifts to the children, usually to uninitiated girls. A Hopi Indian will tell you that a kachina is a supernatural being who is impersonated by a man wearing a mask. Another great resource to purchase all forms of Kachina dolls is Kachina House. Figuring out a specific Kachina can be very difficult, particularly if the Kachina is not signed on the bottom. If you are interested in collecting them, I recommend that you do not just do your homework about what these dolls symbolize and represent but also get in touch with professionals of the Hopi world, pueblo Indians, or local museum appraisers so that you can identify and acquire gorgeous and valuable Kachina doll models. There are various eye types for Kachina figures which are painted in half-moons, a rectangular shape, with popped eyes, round, or pot-hooks . If you notice a white peg, it might indicate a change or repair of the appendage. 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This symbolizes the conduit the Kachina doll become between the people and the spirits. At the same time, the glued dolls have their eyeballs carved separately. Generally, kachina dolls are made into four categories. However, clothing is characteristic of Zuni dolls. What are the Most Popular Kachina Dolls? 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 Kachina dolls symbology is rich in its religious connotation, and it is pretty related to nature. 3. Identifying the meanings and values of different Kachina dolls might not be an easy task for everyone. Often they can even hold tools or any accessory in their hands, but this depends on the Katsinam that it represents; depending on the elaboration year, check if it has this feature. They represent the spiritual essence of. Contemporary artists like Francis Livingston and Ed Mell also depicted Hopi Kachina dolls and customary dancers in their paintings. They are referred to as katsintithu when a more specific term is needed. Special Price $467.99. Was: $39.00. The bear kachina doll is another Navajo-made doll. In the case of the nose, very few times have a realistic look, except when it is carved. 3. Deer - Symbolizing abundant food, the deer Kachina doll has a headdress with antlers. In uncommon cases, they could be adorned with calico or hard spun cotton clothes. The Kobictaiya are thought to live in a crater at Acoma or in the east at sunrise. The Chasing Star kachina doll represents the stars and planets. Real clothing was worn for the dolls, and the regalia (clothing) started to become a little more befitting. These clothes are either carved with wood or made from fabrics. 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. 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. Instead of the intricate carvings, these replicas are crudely formed, non-descript, decorated with copious amounts of chicken feathers, and glued to a base displaying a non-Hopi sounding name. Permission to reproduce photos and paintings in this online catalog secured by J. The Amerind Museum in Arizona also has two excellent examples of early Kachina Dolls. All rights reserved. There are at least 400 different Kachinas that hold cultural and spiritual value in the Hopi and Pueblo tribes. The traditional era spans from 1850 to 1930. In addition to that, the oldest Kachina dolls were dressed by painting their clothes with products that were not waterproof. They can also wear a manta or an eagle feather skirt with any of the robes, shawls, or dresses. Its always best not to sell off your appraiser items to the same appraiser who gave you a price, as this could be a conflict of interest. Kachina dolls, or Katsina dolls, are special figures that are exclusively made by the Hopi. It makes no difference whether it is the first kachina doll ever created or not. With renewed interest came renewed detailing, and the figurines started to look different than they did in the traditional era. The Kachinas will appear in numbers, assign impossible tasks to the children, and promise to return in a few days. Native American Navajo Made Chasing Star Kachina Doll. Handheld objects or props, such as rattles, knives, and tools. Kachina dolls are figures made by Native American, mainly western Pueblo (including Hopi, Zuni, Tewa Village, Acoma Pueblo and Laguna Pueblo). 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. The kachina dolls are religious icons. eBay, in particular, allows traders to create or participate in auctions. At 1stDibs, there are several options of kachina dolls available for sale. Cross-section of the Hopi Kachina Dolls in The Heard Museum, Phoenix. These Kachinas sometimes have bows or yucca whips. The Zuni and Hopi pueblos are associated with dolls made in the early 20th century, but many of the Rio Grande pueblos also made flat or alter dolls mainly for ceremonial purposes. Tawaquaptewa dolls are highly collectible and can bring a thousand dollars for a small piece to many thousands for a large, intricate piece. Worse, they are sometimes imported from out of the country and sold as Kachina style dolls. These have no intrinsic value other than as a dust catcher to fill an empty space. Steps. 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. A doll with a well-documented history is more valuable than a doll without. Handheld objects or props, such as rattles, knives, and tools. Not to mention that some Kachina dolls and North American art are never put on sale but are shown occasionally at museums and auctions. Nuvakchin or Snow Maiden Kachina c1890-1900 appears in Snow Dance or Niman Kachina Dance. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Dolls that have zero wear at all may represent a restored or a later doll that is in a vintage style." Early clothing can be hand spun cotton, calico cloth, or Bayeta trade cloth. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. Wear: Inspect the doll for wear in places that make sense. Native American Navajo Made Clown Kachina Doll. Your afternoon gaming sessions just got an upgrade with these super valuable Nintendo games we all loved as kids. His first visit was in 1903. The Putsqatihu is made specifically for baby girls usually under a year old. Ed Mell and Francis Livingston both draw on this imagery occasionally, and its reflected in their paintings of individual dolls and the dancers themselves. He treasures the doll and studies it so that he can learn to . These dolls represent the sun, wind, cloud, moon, stars, and rain. However, my family is from New Mexico and have aquired many Kachina dolls over the years and have always kept them in our house. 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. Clothing that is painted on or created from fabric. Originally, Hopi dolls were made as gifts to young Hopi girls from initiated male Kachina dancers during the Bean Dance to help them be a part of the kachina methodology, spirt, and ritual of their tribe. This price range is not unusual, and rare or large Kachina dolls in good original condition can bring into the low six figures; exceptional examples have brought over a $100,000. Detailed painting of decorations and facial features. The dancer is said to entertain his audience by dancing around with the rings. Sublette, M. "Deciphering Katsina: How to Identify Vintage Katsina Dolls." Native American Art, February/March 2018, pp. Site Content Copyright 1996-2022. The most apparent aspects of a Kachina Doll are its materials, body style, facial features, coloration, clothing, headdress, and decorations. However, there are other types of dolls with tremendous value and symbolism in the native American culture, and these are not other than the Hopi Kachina dolls. It is said that the bear doll possesses great strength, which he uses to protect his people and heal their illnesses. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Kachina Doll Value (Identification & Price Guides), Antique McCoy Pottery Value (Identification & Price Guides), Antique Perfume Bottles Value (Identificattion & Price Guides), Brown Betty teapot Value (Identification & Price Guides), Getting to Know the Origin of the Kachina Dolls, Antique Teapots Value (Identification & Price Guides), Antique Coffee Grinders Value (Identification & Price Guides), Antique Milk Cans Value (Identification & Price Guides), Antique Safe Value (Identification & Price Guides), Vintage Bread Boards Value (Identification & Price Guides), Antique Cast Iron Toys Value (Identification & Price Guides), Benrus Watch Value (Identification & Price Guides), Antique Blue Willow China Value (Identification & Price Guides), Antique Car Blue Book (Car Value & Identificatiron), Old Buttons Value (Identification & Price Guides), Skeleton Key Value (Identification & Price Guides). Provenance describes the ownership history of the doll. The ears, large eyes, and nose often have more chips or scrapes than other parts of the dolls, as they are protruded and more susceptible to damage. The nose looks realistic and a ruff wraps around the neck. It captivated military personnel and government agents, and it increased public interest in the Hopis. See more ideas about hopi, native american art, american indian art. Therefore, you can find Katsinas with animal heads, significant for the Hopi culture, like wolf, owl, or deer heads. They were sold to tourists beginning in the 1800s and continue to be a very collectible type of Native American art. Regions of broken or chipped appendages (which are typically found in vintage dolls) should have areas of oxidation where the damage occurs. Look for the Maker's Mark. The rarest kachina dolls have no fingers. $32.00. Unscrupulous vintage items sellers have made it a norm to pass off old-style carved dolls as antiques or vintages. These dolls are not only used by the Hopis but also by the Aguna, Laguna Pueblos, and the Zuni. Hemis, in essence, serves to increase ones luck and encourage good fortune. The best kachina dolls have fine carved feet and hands, with their fathers or decorator carved in, not glued. Provenance: A well-documented history regarding the doll can add a huge premium in terms of value. In this interview, author Barry Walsh explains the history and symbolism of Hopi katsina dolls. The dolls are individually hand-crafted and painted. Vintage Native American Kachina doll Eagle signed by the artist. Kachina dolls are physical representations of these spirits. The daughters are expected to examine the Kachina doll and understand the characters of the Katsina the doll represents. Hopi Kachina or Katsinam (personations) of spiritual beings, are depicted as beautiful carved dolls. The Navajos do carve sculptures, which are collectible. These are some of them: According to Kachinadolls.com, an ancient Kachina doll sold for $250,000. Guide to Hopi Kachina Dolls. 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. 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The first criterion in knowing if the doll is authentic is the material that was used in making the doll. In a way they're like statues of saints. Today, the oldest kachina doll was discovered to be hand crafted in the 1700s. 2. Buy with your heart, but do so only after you have taken the time to educate yourself. When you want to keep your retro aesthetic but don't have time to finish a hair style, turn to these easy vintage hair accessories. The facial characteristics described above will assist you in determining whether or not your doll is an original antique. We would like to point out that the most expensive kachina dolls we carry are the traditional dolls, which are made by the Hopi. These dolls are actually called tithu by the Hopi people. Always make sure youre dealing with a verified account when making purchases or sales on these sites. This kind of wear shouldnt deter you from collecting a Kachina doll in my opinion, as it simply confirms what is expected in a vintage doll. The cottonwood root is also easy to carve, and most of the oldest dolls were carved from a single cottonwood root. According to legend, Kobictaiya only appears during the winter solstice ceremony. The value of a Kachina doll isnt tied to the economy or its beauty but rather the meaning and history it holds. Check the Collectible Kachina Dolls as well as Vintage Barbie Dolls. For instance, exposed cottonwood (area of breakage) turns a brown or honey color with time, whereas a complete doll has a consistent coloration. The kachina concept has three different aspects: the supernatural being, the kachina dancers, and kachina dolls (small dolls carved in the likeness of the kachina, that are given only to those who are, or will be responsible for the respectful care and well-being of the doll, such as a mother, wife, or sister). Identifying Kachina Dolls Overall whitewash. These dolls are carved in unique positions like kneeling, dancing, praying, or other actions. Mark Sublette, Medicine Man Gallery, Inc. Many of those details are now carved out and painted with modern acrylics. These are all made from high quality materials by famous Native American artists and priced at some of thebest prices in the industry. The ATADA.org website is a great resource to find dealers who are very knowledgeable, love what they do, and will guarantee what you buy. Now that you know how to value your antique kachina dolls, lets look at some antiques that have recently sold so you can get a current idea of the price listing of antique kachina dolls on the market. Finally, the older the dolls are, the more valuable they are. The late action era began in 1945, and there were significant changes in kachina dolls. There are artistic wood sculptures depicting Navajo ceremonies, such as Yeibeichei dancers, or ones done in a large format with whimsical imagery. Of course, not everyone can afford to buy rare, valuable traditional Hopi Kachina dolls. Museums and documented early examples in books are great references for learning and when youre ready to start collecting, buy from an ATADA (Antique Tribal Arts Dealer Association) dealer. Breaks, wear, and missing parts are common in a wooden doll handled by loving children. Even if the Kachina is signed, each carver puts his own personal touch on his work, making the process of figuring out the Kachina [] Ears, noses, mouthparts, and eyes are usually carved in separate pieces and then put into the Kachina with a wooden peg. The diverse Kachina dolls history can be traced back hundreds of years across several tribes, including the Zuni and Pueblo tribes. I have been collecting and selling early Hopi dolls for over 25 years and I have seen and learned much during that time span. The Runners are another set of people who are imitated as dolls. The collections are simply priceless. The Muringputihu is designed for infant girls. Some older dolls with mineral pigment can be found in the Millicent Rogers Museum, the Heard Museum, and the Northern Arizona Museum. If you have any questions, suggestions, or comments, please leave them below. Doll artists became creative and began carving out feathers on the dolls, resulting in a new Hopi art form known as kachina sculpture. Suite 130 Tucson, AZ 85750, Monday through Saturday: 10AM - 5PM, Sunday: Closed. Heheys Uncle Kachina 1890 appears in pairs with Soyoko. Guide to Hopi Kachina Dolls The Hopi Kachina Cult Aholi Kachina Bear Kachina Clown Kachina Crow Mother Eagle Kachina Eototo Kachina Fox Kachina Kokopelli Kachina Morning Singer Kachina Mudhead Kachina Snow Kachina Sun Kachina Wolf Kachina Wupamo Kachina However, most of the Kachina dolls are from the late nineteenth century. They depict the spirit that helps the fallen rise back up. Buffalo - This powerful Kachina can kill bad thoughts and wears a buffalo headdress. Symbols: The symbols are a unique part of the Kachina dolls making them easier to identify. Among the Native American tribes like the Zuni, Apache and Hopi living in the Pueblos of the. Similarly, when it comes to the best models in contemporary art, they can be sold for more than $50.000. The dolls mouths, just like the eyes, can either be painted or carved. 5 Collectible and Most Valuable Campaign Buttons. Excellent Hand Crafted South West Native American Cottonwood Root "Barn Owl" Kachina Also Called Hotsko (C-80) the Screech Owl Kachina Signed on the Base by Mike OkeetahaCirca: Late 20 th CenturyCondition: Very Good: No Problems14 inches high x 7 inches deep x 6 1/4 inches wideThe materials are cottonwood root, paint, cloth, leather, domestic fowl feathers, and rabbit fur. Apr 23, 2019 - Found here are images of Hopi Indian Kachina Dolls that we have handled over the course of our career in this field. Katsina primarily refers to the supernatural beings who are believed to visit Hopi villagers during half of . Soyok, also known as the Black Ogre, is a hideous character with a black head, large eyes, spikes, and feathers. Mark Sublette Medicine Man Gallery Inc. All rights reserved. In 2017, one of these fingerless tummy-warming dolls was sold for $20,000. eBayor Etsyare your best bets for buying or selling your antique kachina doll online. Towards the end of the 1800s, kachina doll artists started to give dolls a more natural look.