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<p>[QUOTE=&quot;Taupou, post: 292283, member: 45&quot;]First, a clarification on terminology.&nbsp; A <i><b>kachina</b> </i>is a holy figure in the Hopi, Zuni, and a few other pueblo tribes&#039; religion.&nbsp; They are supernatural beings, who can interact with humans.&nbsp; They are found only in pueblo Indian cultures.&nbsp; The Navajo, since they are not a pueblo culture, do not have kachinas in their religion, nor do any other tribes.</p><p><br /></p><p>A <i><b>kachina doll</b></i>, is a carved representation of a specific kachina, given to young girls (who are not initiated into the kachina cult) so they can learn to recognize the kachina (there are hundreds, each with a unique physical appearance). </p><p><br /></p><p>An authentic kachina doll is one carved by a Hopi or Zuni.&nbsp; Although it is still a controversial topic among some conservative members, many Hopi (and a few Zuni) began carving kachina dolls for the market. </p><p><br /></p><p>Their success, however, led to other non-Hopi and even non-Indian carvers entering the &quot;kachina doll&quot; souvenir market...especially the Navajo.&nbsp; The figures they carve often are fantasy figures, with no connection to the &quot;kachinas&quot; they supposedly represent.&nbsp; They are decorative or souvenir items only, not authentic kachina dolls.</p><p><br /></p><p>The carvings in question here fall into that category.&nbsp; They are not kachinas, not authentic kachina dolls.&nbsp; They are contemporary souvenir Navajo carvings.[/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>

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