Katsinam (plural) are Hopi spirits that represent almost every aspect of Hopi life. They are also called the "Cloud People." They appear in dances from December to July each year. The dances are part of the Hopi religious calendar, and important in bringing precipitation for the crops (snow in the winter and rain in the warm months) as well as other blessings to the Hopi people. Katsina dolls are carved to give to children at these dances. Katsina dolls have also been carved for sale since the mid 1800's.

We recommend that you purchase only Hopi or other Pueblo katsinas (such as Zuni). So-called "Navajo kachinas" are simply poor copies or completely made-up figures such as "Medicine Men," often done on a lathe, factory-line style, and have no significance whatsoever. While Navajo spirits called "yé'ii" are part of their culture, katsinas are not.

We specialize in work by some of the best Hopi carvers. Our emphasis is on extensive detailing in the carving (hands, muscles, hair, etc.), realistic body proportions and as much of the doll as possible carved from one piece of wood.