WordLens

kachina doll

1 of 1noun
/ˈkæ.ʧaɪ.nə dɑ:l/
Forms:kachina dolls
1

a traditional hand-carved and painted doll made by the Hopi and other Pueblo Native American tribes, representing various spiritual and cultural figures, and used in religious ceremonies and as art objects

A kachina doll is a handcrafted figure representing a spirit or deity in the Native American Hopi and Zuni cultures. These dolls are traditionally carved from wood and painted in bright colors, often wearing elaborate costumes that reflect the spirits or natural elements they represent. Kachina dolls are used in religious ceremonies and rituals, where they are believed to bring blessings, rain, and good harvests. In addition to their spiritual significance, kachina dolls are also collected as works of art. They are carefully crafted to preserve the cultural traditions and teachings of Native American communities.

  • I learned that kachina dolls are not just decorative, but have deep cultural meaning.
  • The artist spent hours carving and painting the kachina doll to make it as authentic as possible.
  • During the ceremony, the elders used the kachina dolls to teach the children about their traditions.
  • She carefully placed the kachina doll on the shelf as part of her collection.