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Kachina Crafts

Most commonly, the word "kachina" is associated with the Hopi tribe of people. Kachina, also written Katsina, are part of the religion of the Puebloan peoples -- a group of Native American people of which the Hopi are one -- who share similar cultural traits in such areas as metalworking, adobe housing, weaving and pottery styles. Kachina are thought to be the spirits of the tribe's ancestors.
  1. Kachina Doll

    • Kachina dolls are designed as a teaching tool to help the youth to learn about the Kachina. They are often made of cottonwood root. However, if this is not an option or not desired, try other materials such as papier-mâché or clay.

    Kachina Drawing

    • Like any drawing, how a Kachina is drawn depends on the preference and/or skill of the artist. Experiment with different drawing techniques like cubism, monochromism and pointillism. Draw a background, which can be either realistic or surreal. Include symbols from the culture from which the Kachina doll you're drawing comes.

    Kachina Dance Diorama

    • Study the dances that the native peoples have decided are alright for the public to see. Create a backdrop of the diorama. If desired, glue sand onto the bottom of the diorama box. Create clay figures to sit in the midst of the dance and add them so that they match the choreography of the dance.

    Kachina Paper Mosaic

    • On a piece of paper or poster board, glue pieces of colored paper to form a Kachina mosaic. Either tear up paper as desired or use precisely cut geometric shapes. If desired, glue on other pieces of paper for detail, or draw the detail onto it with tools such as colored pencils, pens or crayons.

    Kachina Dancing Costume

    • Study which Kachina are alright for public viewing. From this study, choose the different items that are worn during a Kachina dance by a Kachina dancer. Make a simple costume, such as one made of cardboard, construction paper, glue, feathers and clothes used as substitutes for parts of an original costume. A more complex one can be made from chicken wire to form a frame, with cloth and adjustable straps attached.

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