Collecting Antique Kachina Dolls, Two Graces Current Inventory
On Collecting Kachina Dolls, Part 5 (of a seven part series)
Robert Cafazzo
Two Graces, Taos
Currently Available Vintage Kachina Dolls at Two Graces, Taos
Stone Eater Owangazrozro
It is thought that this entity has been ‘retired’ from the ceremonies since 1912. At one time he emerged during the Powamu ceremony where he engaged with the Koyemsi (Mudhead) Kachinas. The Koyemsi tossed stones at this Kachina, keeping him at bay. In return the Stone Eater simply picked up the rocks and proceeded to eat them.
A pale face mask with rounded eyes and a row of worn down teeth (from eating stones). The facial depictions vary according to which village she appears in, this being from First Mesa. She wears a traditional manta, standing on very solid feet. This carving had been mounted onto a base at one time, it has since been removed. There are indications of feathers or cotton at the sides of her head which would have added to a crazy disheveled look. The cottonwood is cracked straight up the back but is quite stable.
Circa 1900, 5” tall SOLD
Koroasta
With great stature and reverence Koroasta protects the gathered seeds through the winter months. Carrying consecrated kernels of sweet corn she distributes these seeds among the Hopi people for planting. This ceremonial dance and distribution of seeds takes place in February during the Powamu, Bean Dance and Angkwa planting season.
This rarely seen doll is distinguished by a rainbow design around the face, a three pointed snout, and shortened ears. She wears a manta, the traditional Hopi woven robe, a double jokla beaded necklace and a woven belt draped over her shoulders and down her back. Cottonwood, natural pigment paint, and string. Circa 1910, 7 ½ inches tall. $2,800.
Hopi Maiden
The Hopi Maiden Kachina, represents an unmarried woman with her hair styled in “butterfly whorls”, a long feather “beard” symbolizing rain, is the embodiment of corn. Cottonwood, paint, feathers, circa 1930s, 5 inches tall $595.
Corn Maiden
The Hopi Corn Maiden Kachina, or Kachin-Mana, is a prayer for corn. Appearing in the regular Kachina dances she carries baskets of corn. She honors Mother Earth's constant ability to feed the Hopi people.
She has great presence with her hair in the dramatic style typically worn by young, unmarried maidens, called "squash blossoms" or "butterfly whorls", in her dark woven manta and white robe and buckskin boots.
Circa 1920-1940, cottonwood, paint and feathers, 7 ½ inches tall. SOLD
Hopi Corn Boy
A beautiful kachina doll, this Hopi Pueblo Qa'o'tiyo, Corn Boy Katsina is carved from cottonwood root and painted with appealing colors and charming details. Lines down the front and back of the chest indicate growth. The abrasions on the paint indicate that it was played with by the recipient. Corn Boy Kachina is part of a group of kachinas who represent corn, a central component of Hopi life. Circa 1930’s, 8.5” height, $795.
Qoqole Bearing Gifts (Qoqoleqlo)
Hopi Qoqole Kachina, attributed to Jimmy Koots, circa 1950-60, carries a basket and a cradle doll kachina as gifts for children during the dance. The yellow face and the “buckskin” robe suggest that this kachina is from Second Mesa, the boots are detailed with checkered “beadwork” at the heels. The Yellow face mask indicates this katsina is from the east where the sun rises. Cottonwood, paint, yarn, string and feathers, 9 ½ inches tall. $1,200.
This Hopi Qoqole Kachina was made by traditional carver Max Curley, who is from the Hopi village of Musungnovi on Second Mesa in Norther Arizona. Introduced to the “traditional style” of carving by local carvers at Hopi, Curley uses natural hand-collected minerals for the paints used on his cottonwood root kachinas.
The Qoquole appears in large groups in the dances, and making and giving gifts to the children are just some of the many activities they participate in. These two Qoqole Kacinas have the yellow faces and buckskin robes most often seen at Second Mesa.—this doll is a twin to the other doll listed and is on the left in the double portrait below, available singly or as a pair. 21st Century, 8 ½ inches including feathers$295.each or $500. the pair
Qoqole by Max Curley
This Hopi Qoqole Kachina was made by traditional carver Max Curley, who is from the Hopi village of Musungnovi on Second Mesa in Norther Arizona. Introduced to the “traditional style” of carving by local carvers at Hopi, Curley uses natural hand-collected minerals for the paints used on his cottonwood root kachinas. 21st Century, 8 ½ inches including feathers$295.each or $500. the pair
Palik Mana Manuel Chavarria
Manuel “Bob” Chavarria, from First Mesa at Hopi, is recognized as the one of the premier carvers of “Old-Style” Traditional Hopi Kachinas. These kachinas are carved from cottonwood into the simple, minimal shapes of the earliest kachinas with very simple bodies, arms and legs. The identifying details of each of his kachina carvings are faithfully added using paint, feathers, fur and other materials to the masks, headdresses, and apparel. This doll is the Palik-Mana Kachina (Butterfly Maiden), who appears in the Spring Dances, bringing life to the flowers and fields. She is made from a twisted piece of cottonwood, painted with natural pigments and finished in Chavarria’s signature “distressed” manner. Her beautiful face, dress and tablita (headdress) are painted with vivid colors, circa 1990s, 8 inches tall. $395.
Hopi Butterfly Maiden Polik Mana (tall)
This is the Hopi Palik-Mana Kachina (Butterfly Maiden), who appears in the Spring Dances, bringing life to the flowers and fields. She is made of cottonwood, paint, string, fabric scraps and feathers. The rainbow on her tableta is reflected on her chin, an ear of corn at the forehead. An elaborate tablita (headdress) along with the rest of her are painted with vivid colors, circa 1970-1980s, 18 1/2 inches tall. $1,200.
Hopi Butterfly Maiden Polik Mana (medium)
This is the Hopi Palik-Mana Kachina (Butterfly Maiden), who appears in the Spring Dances, bringing life to the flowers and fields. Although so very many of these carvings were made by Jimmy Keyanwytewa, based on an extremely similar carving in the Smithsonian collection we now believe the maker to be Eldon Kewanyama. She is made of cottonwood, paint, string, fabric scraps and feathers Her beautiful face, dress and tablita (headdress) are painted with vivid colors, circa 1965, 14 ¼ inches tall. $795.
Hemis
The Hemis Kachina, with his beautiful tablet headdress, dances in the Niman Home Dance to encourage and bring in the new corn crops. A face mask of red & blue, half moon designs on his chest (and legs), a painted sash and ‘turquoise' jokla necklace enhance the design. This is also in the style of what we think of as a Jimmy Keyanwytewa carving. When people imagine a Kachina Doll they often think of this particular type of carving. Made of cottonwood, feathers, paint, Circa 1960-1970, 14” tall $750.
Marao
Hopi Marao Kachina, whose fancy dress and headdress seem to be derived from the Navajo and the Zuni Pueblo. This kachina represents rain, and carries prayers from the Hopi People to the rain gods in the Spring dances. In each hand are lightning bolt wands, a tripod teepee type headdress and blossoms on each side of the face mask, a rainbow is painted on the underside of the mask brim. Wearing a colorful kilt he wears a Bandolier bag aches the chest. Signed “Yucca” on the bottom of the feet, made of cottonwood, paint, feathers, fabric scraps, and feathers, circa 1950-1960s, 16 inches tall, $750.
Wolf Kwewu
This Hopi Wolf kachina doll is wearing the typical costume of the Wolf—a twisted red yarn kilt, dotted leggings and wristlets, embellished boots, painted rattles, shells, sequins, colorful feathers—carrying a large stick which symbolizes trees and bushes from which he spies on his prey: the antelope and deer. The Wolf kachina often appears at the deer dance ceremonies, causing the deer and antelope to be wary of the predator. The Hopis are grateful to the wolf for his knowledge of hunting game animals. Attributed to Otto Pentewa due to the action type position of the bent knees, dots and that this was one of the Katsina dolls he specialized in carving. Circa 1940-1950s, 11 ½ inches tall $795.
A small Kachina Doll by well-known Hopi artist Otto Pentewa (1886–1961) carved in the “Route 66” style, with his signature quirky proportions and paint decorations, Made from cottonwood root, pigment and string at the top which would have held feathers in place, and indeed, there are remnants of feathers and fur still present. On the bottom of the left foot the numeral “3” is written in pencil, circa 1930s, stands 3 ⅛ inches tall. $450.
Otto Pentewa Hillili
Kachina Doll by well-known Hopi artist Otto Pentewa (1886–1961) carved in the “Route 66” style, this doll represents the Hilili kachina with its long-beard and the line of white spots across the chin, and the black dots scattered across the bobcat mantle worn on its shoulders. Made from cottonwood root, pigment, and string at the top which would have held feathers in place. On the bottom of the right foot the numeral “3” is written in pencil, circa 1930s, stands 3 ⅛ inches tall. $450.
Otto Pentewa Raincloud
Kachina Doll by well-known Hopi artist Otto Pentewa (1886–1961) carved in the “Route 66” style, this doll represents rain with its stepped cloud shaped ‘ears’ at each side of the head. Made from cottonwood root, pigment, and string at the top which would have held feathers in place. Circa 1930s, stands 2 3/4 inches tall. SOLD
Koshare
The purpose of the Hopi koshare, the white and black striped clown, is to make people laugh, but his humor is actually instructive, and is meant to draw attention to poor behavior among the people. Using drums and shouts, no one in the crowd at the dances is safe from ridicule or mild punishment.
This little kachina doll with his delicately carved hands, has classic details in his upward reaching stance, the bold black and white stripes, the corn husk horns growing out of his skullcap, his burlap loincloth, and his red boots. This doll can actually stand on its own, but is probably best displayed hanging by a string on a wall. Circa 1940s, 7 inches tall. $450.
Rio Grande Koshare
Rio Grande Pueblo (Okay Owingeh/San Juan) Koshare Kachina. The upper Rio Grande Pueblos (Tanoic or Keresan) are not known for their Kachina doll carvings, yet to clarify, all Pueblos create carvings of various types of figures, they rarely slip into the market place, an uncommon find. These entities do not wear masks instead they paint their faces and bodies with white clay and black soot. The tusk horns with corn husks appeal to the clouds above. Circa 1960 - 1970, pine wood, natural pigment paint, straw, 12 inches tall $595.
Ogre Woman Soyok Wuhti
Ogre Woman Kachina (Soyok Wuhti) appears at Hopi First Mesa during the spring planting ceremonies. A scary bogey-woman, she orders children to help make food. If refused, she’ll carry them off to perhaps be eaten! Soyoko also appears with other ogre kachinas, carrying a long crook and a knife. Hopi children may pretend to be scared as they scatter away from her laughing with delight. This doll is dated 1988, by Byron Harvey. Cottonwood, horse-hair, cloth, paint, 13 ½ inches tall $950.
Black Ogre Nataska
The scary Black Ogre Kachina threatens to take children from their homes and eat them with his huge snout. Parents bargain with the Ogre and offer food if they’ll leave their children alone. The Ogre agrees, and takes the food from the household and off to the kivas.
Cottonwood, paint, string, fabric scraps, horsehair, 6 inches tall, $295.
Kuwan Heheya
Hopi Kuwan (Fancy or Colorful) Heheya kachina appears alongside the Hemis Kachina in the Niman (Home-going) ceremony. He prays for enough food for all and that the harvest will be plentiful. He also celebrates and thanks the Great Spirit for what the people were able to grow and harvest for the coming seasons. He seems to be a very ancient spirit.
This doll's mask bears symbols for fertility: strong rains, corn, water--he dances carrying a rattle and a feather, his arms and torso are painted earthy red, his sash is held together at his hip with beautifully carved rosettes, and he's wearing the blue boots with checkerboard heels. Normally I would attribute this doll to Jimmy Koots, but I believe it is done by one of his apprentices. Circa 1950s, cottonwood, paint, some feathers, 10 ½ inches tall. $595.
Wupamo
Wupamo, the Long-Billed Kachina, a guard kachina who carries yucca whips. Known for enforcing cleanliness in the community, he is often held back by the koyemsi who attempt to keep his violent actions under control. circa 1950 - 1960, 9 inches tall $350.
Mongwu, the Great Horned Owl
Hopi Mongwa, or Great Horned Owl Kachina, by Arthur Yowytewa, with paper tag describing the Kachina’s purpose in the dances, cottonwood, paint, yarn, feathers and fabric scraps, 10 ¼ inches tall.
With owl wings on each side of its head, the Mongwa Kachina has a powerful presence at the dances, often spying on the antics of the clowns making his appearance a popular one. $350.
Tasap
This is a Hopi carving representing the Tasap, or Navajo Katsina. The Hopi kachinas include those who respectfully embody other tribes who are present in the Hopi world; there are also kachinas that depict Zuni, Comanche and other Pueblo groups.
This Tasap katsina wears a a pink “velvet” shirt, a long nose, and head gear, details that are peculiar to the Hopi notion of the Navajo. Tasap appears in the summer dances at Hopi. Misunderstandings of the Navajo Katsina have cause confusion among collectors not wanting to purchase a ‘navajo’ carving, these were indeed carved by the Hopi carvers.
Circa 1950s, carved from cottonwood root, with paint, feathers and string, 5 ⅛ inches tall. $195.
The Hopi Red-Headed Duck or Pawik kachina is a prayer for rain or moisture, often appearing in the summer dances when rain is most needed, here presented with red headdress (missing feathers) a carved beak, a colorful kilt; circa 1920s - 1930s, 7 ¼ inches tall. SOLD
Little Hopi Sio Shalako
Hopi-carved Shalako Kachina with nicely painted details: the beaky mouth, google eyes, the kilt, and (carved) feather headdress. The Sio Shalako Kachina originated at Zuni Pueblo and was borrowed or adapted by the Hopi, appearing mostly in the Spring Dances as an effective bringer of water. Made from cottonwood, paint, yarn, feathers and string. From the estate of Taos artist Julian Robles kachina doll collection. circa 1970s, 5 ½ inches tall. $250.
Kwahu Eagle Dancer
The bald eagle is the most important bird to the Hopi, as it represents strength and power, serving as a messenger between the heavens and the earth and embodies the spirits of the Hopi ancestors.
This Eagle kachina dancer wears a white and black painted mask within the eagle’s head, his arms are held outstretched to simulate the smooth gliding flight of the bravest and strongest bird in the skies. The kachina’s arms and bustle are covered with rabbit fur and feathers (turkey feathers in place of eagle feathers). Carved from cottonwood and decorated with paint, cloth, feathers, fur and string the doll stands on a circular wooden base; late 20th century, 11 inches wide, 8 ½ inches tall. $125.
Seated Mudhead Koyemsi with Drum
Hopi Seated Koyemsi/Mudhead Kachina, circa 1950, 5 ¼ inches tall $750.
Mudhead Koyemsi, (arm raised)
Created by Nannie Talahongya, dated November 1964, sold from the Keams Canyon Trading Post and still with the original tag. The Mudhead Kachina is a clay covered kachina wearing a mask with clay knobs for eyes, a tall pointed topknot and a beaky mouth. He carries a cotton sack and wears a cotton neckerchief. Made of carved and painted cottonwood and feather, 10 ½ inches tall $500.
Mudhead Koyemsi with Belly Ache
Hopi Mudhead Kachina with a cone shaped topknot, carved from cottonwood, stained with clay and earth pigments, feathers, string, circa 1930s-1940s, 8 inches tall. $450.
Small Mudhead Koyemsi
Hopi Koyemsi or Mudhead Kachina, representing a clay covered kachina with a mask with clay knobs for eyes and headdress and beaky mouth. Probably carved by a Rae Howentewa family member or apprentice. Made of carved and painted cottonwood and feathers, 1950s, 4 ¼ inches tall $195.
Mudhead Koyemsi with Cape
Mudhead, or Koyemsi Kachina with an exaggerated conical curved topknot, white dots over black detail on forearms and belly, a beaky snout, and clothed in a buckskin cape. Made of cottonwood, mineral pigments, string, and feathers, and buckskin, circa 1940s-50s, 11 ½ inches tall. $395.
Large Mudhead Koyemsi
Hopi Mudhead Koyemsi Kachina doll, the wise men, teachers, and comic characters at the Hopi dances here portrayed as a creature with a head made of clay with clay knobs for ears and topknot, tubular eyes and mouth. This doll is carved from cottonwood, he wears a neckerchief painted in red, a black kilt, and carries a holds a rattle in one hand. The head and body are painted with natural clay pigment, 1950s - 60s, quite large at 15 inches tall $950.
Zuni Koyemsi Mudhead
Zuni Mudhead Koyemsi or Mudhead Kachina doll, a clay covered kachina wearing a mask with clay knobs for eyes, a pointed topknot and a beaky mouth. He carries a cotton sack and wears a neckerchief and black felt loincloth with red and green border stripes. He has articulated shoulders, holds a rattle in one hand. Made of carved cottonwood, painted with natural clay pigment, felt, and fabric scraps, 1960s, 8 ½ inches tall $295.
Hopi Na'ataska Ogre Kachina by Jimmy Kewanwytewa, (Jimmy K). Without any doubt this was made by the great Jimmy K. There are many smaller examples of his ogre carvings, none at this scale. Enhancing the buckskin sash are turquoise nuggets, there’s also one atop the head. Turkey feathers have replaced the eagle feathers at the back of the head. There is a chip to the left toe and a bit of wear. It has had some minor restoration over 15 yrs ago. An extraordinary size at an incredible price point.1940s, 20 inches tall Reduced price to $1,800.
When deciding to begin collecting Kachina Dolls, there are many things to consider before making a purchase. If you know nothing about Kachina Dolls, you will make assumptions and mistakes. If you know a little about Kachina Dolls, you will make mistakes. If you know everything there is to know about Kachina Dolls, you will still make mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes, it is a bigger learning curve than you might expect, but it is one of the most rewarding moments when you find a Kachina Doll that absolutely delights.
As an example, look at the field of collecting African Masks and Sculptures, what exactly makes one object more special than another? It’s an enormous field of an entire continent, with various regions and styles.
What do you do to begin? A good start is to take a look at what is in museum collections. In the USA rules and regulations of displaying objects of Native American heritage in museums have changed. Many museums have removed their collections from public view, even Kachina Dolls. There is still the option of viewing these collections online. Most of the older museums do have Kachina Doll collections on their websites. Start there.
Next, pick out a couple of books from my booklist: http://twograces.blogspot.com/2025/02/kachina-book-list-related-printed.html
Once you are ready to make a purchase, have a budget in mind before diving into the market. Two Graces, Taos has a range of price points suitable for most budgets. If your budget is tight, we recommend beginning with the Route 66/Trading Post Kachina Dolls (see the blog here: http://twograces.blogspot.com/2025/03/route-66-trading-post-kachina-dolls.html )
We are far from the top end of the market pricing, ours is a range of affordable dolls that are in the pre-1970’s age range. The pricing of our collection is according to several factors, age (1900-1975), rarity, desirability, attribution, and what our markup needs to be. We strive to research everything through comparables and what those comparable dolls are currently being priced at in the marketplace.
Considerations as to age vary, can a similar doll be found in an old photograph of a grouping of Kachina Dolls, or from a collection that references what time frame the doll was collected? Paint is an important factor, dolls from 1970-2000 were often painted with acrylic paint which could sometimes be glossy. A mineral paint or paint made from powdered tempera is always flat, giving an indication that it is an older carving. Contemporary Old Style carvers are using ground natural pigments. Certain colors such as a blue made from a (juniper) berry fade from blue to gray. Not all dolls were played with, occasionally a child receiving a particular doll may not have cared for that entity. Rather than play with it, creating wear from rubbing the paint off and breakage of parts, the child would have hung it on a wall out of the way where it was never subject to natural aging. A doll with no wear and tear whatsoever could simply have been one that the recipient didn’t like. I tend to err on the side of caution when it comes to true dating of Kachina Dolls, my expectations are that something is newer by 10 years or so rather than older by 10-20 years.
Whenever possible try to see the dolls for sale in person. When this isn’t possible, through email or a phone call ask questions about the doll. Read what there is about a particular carving on a website and done a bit of research of your own. Most dealers want clients to be happy with their purchase(s), they want those clients to return to eventually make more purchases. As I began this article, it’s worth repeating, dealers (and the writers of books on the topic) do make mistakes, everyone does.
Two Graces began in 2003, the inventory at the time included my personal collection of Kachina Dolls. Today we continue to offer our collection on display in our Taos shop.
Although I chose to not monetize my blog posts with advertisements I do hope that you will take a look at the Kachina Dolls we offer for sale here on this blog article, on our website at twograces.com or by following our Instagram feed @TwoGracesTaos & @KachinaRestoration
I've made note including price and size of the Kachina Dolls we currently have available in the photos of this post. Everything listed here is available on the Two Graces website.
Visit our ‘brick & mortar’ shop in the Taos Historic District at 105 Barela Lane, there is free parking in the Taos Inn lot directly behind us.
You may call 575-770-5580 or email r2c2graces@gmail.com for more information and purchasing inquiries.
Stone Eaters
Examples of Koroasta
Pairs of Qoqole and Illustration
Butterfly Maidens by Jimmy K
