HOPI OLD STYLE KATSINAS
Hopi Old Style Katsina dolls are those that are carved in the traditional style, often referred to as “Early Traditional Style.” This style dates back to the late 19th and early 20th century, and represents the truly traditional depiction of the Katsinam before the white man began to influence the Native American cultures. These early Kachina dolls were highly simplistic in their form, and were most often flat with few, if any three-dimensional elements, though some were more rounded. Each doll was intricately painted with dyes and pigments made from native minerals like iron and magnesium, whatever was readily available in the area local to the Hopi peoples. Some paints were vegetable-based, though these colors were not as vibrant over time.
These Hopi old style Katsina dolls are less an imitation of these earlier Kachina doll traditions than a revival of the traditional styles. The artists represented here have been drawn to the simple forms and vibrant colors of the old style Katsina dolls, and adapted them with modern techniques, paints, colors and features. The unique blending of the past and the present offers an interesting perspective on both the new and the old as they allow us to view the culture and traditions of the Hopi ancestors through a modern window.
Our Hopi old style Kachina dolls are all made by hand with the careful eye of a genuine Native Southwestern American Indian artist. Each piece is carved to include the specialized elements of each individual Katsina, just as our full-figure Katsina dolls capture the unique qualities of each spirit. Many artists have chosen to shift from the strictly traditional carving methods to include detailed hands and feet, while still keeping the overall traditional style. Still carved from the strong but lightweight cottonwood root, the artists may choose to expand their palette with modern paints and painting techniques. However, each color is still carefully chosen to stay true to the representative appearance of the particular Kachina they represent.
Kachina House is happy to be able to offer these beautiful and unique pieces by local Native American Indian artists. As the largest distributor of Native American Indian arts and artifacts in Arizona, we’re confident that you’ll find the perfect piece for your collection. We would also love to hear from you if you are wishing to place a special order for a Hopi old style Kachina doll.
