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Kachinas have a rich and varied history. The "original" kachinas represented supernatural spirits and beings, mostly benevolent entities, who according to tradition, once lived among the Indian peoples and taught them basic living skills for well-being. These skills included: how to hunt and make tools and other artifacts, how to live in harmony with nature, to bring rain and fertility to the earth, how to heal sickness and measure out discipline, and finally the art of offering spiritual gratitude. The kachinas greatest gifts are happiness, health and a long life.
When those "original" kachinas left the pueblos, they imparted their gifts to the people who still carry on their traditions. At the time a pueblo dancer assumes the masks and costumes of those "ancestral beings". He imbues the power and characteristics of that particular kachina. He is not looked upon as a god, but merely as a symbol of one of the original kachinas.
Each kachina therefore has a specific function, and is believed to be a spirit of an animal, bird, plant, object, place or person. Originally, the kachina doll came about as a teaching tool to aid in cultural and religious training for tribal children.
The Hopi tribe is the most renowned for its intricate kachinas carved from cottonwood root. The more detailed dolls often represent months of work. Zuni kachina dolls are sometimes offered for sale outside the pueblo as well. Navajo kachina dolls are often available as colorful interpretations of Hopi kachinas.
When kachinas are present, they help renew the world and ready it for the coming season of growth. They will initiate the children, insure growth and abundance, and as always, bring moisture.
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