There are more than 300 different Kachinas! Figuring out a specific Kachina can be very difficult, particularly if the Kachina is not signed on the bottom. Even if the Kachina is signed, each carver puts his own personal touch on his work, making the process of figuring out the Kachina even more difficult!
Children of the Pubelo tribes learn how to tell the Kachina apart by attending the many dances where the Kachinas are seen participating in ceremonies. Dancers are tribal men dressed as Kachina. On VERY rare occasions a tribal woman will be dressed as a Kachina and participate in the dance. Children also receive Kachina as gifts, though they are most frequently given to girls because boys become dancers.
Some Kachinas are very distinctive, such as the Eagle and the Mudhead. These, even with artistic variance, are easy to recognize. However there are many more Kachinas that are recognized only by small details. On a previous Kachina feature we mentioned that the difference between holding a rattle or a bow can be the tell tale sign from a White Wolf or a White Bear. Sometimes a minute change in face color, accessories, or a symbol on the clothing can make a large difference in the identity of a Kachina.
The Kachina featured here is approximately three feet tall! For more information on Kachinas, type “kachina” into the search bar on the top right!