Why were kachina dolls important to the American Indians?

Answer 1

Kachina "dolls" are not important to all American Indians. They are important to the different groups of the Western Pueblo peoples in the American Southwest. Some katchina dolls were actual dolls for teaching kids and play for girls. These tend to be much simpler than the ones that are often seen. Other kachina "dolls" are produced as artwork and for sale. Others are for religious purposes and associated with the kachina religion. Each one represents and embodies a different kachina spirit. They not worshipped . They are powerful beings who, if given veneration and respect, can use their particular power for human good. The beliefs vary from group to group. Amoung the Hopi, the kachina live on the San Francisco Peaks near Flagstaff Arizona. The word in Hopi is katsina , plural katsinim. The important ones are called wuya. They come to visit the Hopi mesas at certain times of year. Some people are chosen to dress as and embody the kachina for ceremonies and dances. The kachina "dolls' for religious purposes are very carefully taken care of and "fed' cornmeal and blessings are said over them. Some important kachina, that had been taken, and were being sold in Paris, were recently returned to the Hopi people. There are about 60 or more kachina in the Hopi.

Among the Zuni, the kachina live the Lake of the Dead where the Zuni river meets the Little Colorado.

Answer 2

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