How to Buy an Authentic Kachina Doll
Kachina (or katsina) dolls, decorated sculptures hand-carved from wood, represent the more than 250 Hopi gods or spiritual beings. First created in 1880, kachina dolls now appear in art museums, galleries, trading posts and souvenir shops and range in price from tens of thousands of dollars to less than ten dollars. How can you identify an authentic kachina doll? Follow these steps.
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Instructions
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Do your homework. Consult books and view Web sites (see Resources) to learn about the tradition and the various kachinas or gods.
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Choose a favorite kachina or two and compare several examples of their representative dolls from your research. Become an expert on your favorite kachinas.
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Find a reputable source. Native American dances are great places to meet artists personally and ask them questions about their work; they'll usually negotiate on price. Shops and Web sites associated with or sponsored by reservations or Native American groups and nations maintain strict standards for their merchandise.
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Handle the kachina doll. It should be lightweight and smooth to the touch, and the carving should be fine and detailed.
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Examine the bottom of the carving. Authentic dolls will be signed by hand by the artist; dates are often recorded as well. Compare several dolls by the same artist, looking for consistencies in the signatures.
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Examine the decorations on the doll. Fancy silverwork or inlays indicate a modern interpretation rather than an authentic piece of folk art. Paint should be consistent and carefully applied.
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Check that feathers, shells, belts and other accessories are solidly attached. Feathers should be real and naturally colored; bright feathers are usually manufactured.
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Ask for a certificate or written guarantee of authenticity. Request the artist's card or contact information from a shop or dealer, and contact the artist to verify authenticity.
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Expect to pay a relatively high price for an authentic kachina doll. Suspect any doll that is bargain priced. Ask yourself how much you would charge for hours of carving, painting and decorating.
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Tips & Warnings
Large kachina dolls may be impressive, but the smaller versions are more highly prized.
Shop for an unusual kachina doll; avoid those that are frequently copied because they are often machine made.
Although the Hopi Nation claims to have originated kachina dolls and insists that only Hopis can create true kachina dolls, many other Native American groups will disagree. But if you're a purist, buy Hopi.
Stay out of the mass market and souvenir shops; their products are often made overseas.
Order from a Web site carefully; handling a kachina doll is the best way to test its quality.
