In the rich tapestry of Native American spirituality, the Kachinas stand as revered spiritual beings, particularly central to the religious beliefs and practices of the Pueblo tribes, most notably the Hopi. Understanding the diverse Kachina types is essential to grasping their profound cultural significance, as each embodies specific characteristics, purposes, and lessons for the community. These benevolent spirits, sometimes playful, sometimes disciplinary, manifest in various forms, acting as intermediaries between humans and the divine, influencing everything from weather to moral conduct.
The Diverse World of Kachina Types
The vast array of Kachinas reflects the intricate spiritual landscape of the Pueblo people. Each type is distinguishable by its unique costume, song, and movements, personified during elaborate ceremonies by initiated male dancers who wear masks and attire representing the spirits. These impersonations are not merely performances but sacred acts, bringing the spiritual realm closer to the community. While many Kachinas are seen as benevolent friends, others serve as clowns or enforcers of good behavior.
Chief Kachinas: Leaders and Guardians
Central to many nine-day ceremonies, Chief Kachinas hold significant importance, often tied to specific clans. Their roles mirror those of respected tribal elders, overseeing the well-being and spiritual health of their respective clans. Only designated clan members are permitted to portray these esteemed figures. They represent wisdom, authority, and guidance.
- Aholi: A pivotal lieutenant figure, often assisting Eototo in bringing moisture.
- Death Fly/Mastop: A powerful and respected Chief Kachina.
- Long Billed/Wupamo: Also a formidable Guard Kachina.
- Red Tail Hawk (Palakwayo): Representing strength and keen vision.
- Wupamo: A multifaceted spirit, also recognized as a Warrior Kachina.
Ogres: Keepers of Discipline
The ogre Kachinas are the disciplinary figures, primarily designed to instill good behavior in children. During ceremonial visits, they demand food from homes within the pueblo, each possessing a distinctive personality and role in maintaining communal order through gentle intimidation and lessons.
- Giant Ogre (Chaveyo): A powerful and imposing figure.
- Natask (Black Ogre): A prominent disciplinarian.
- Ogre Soyok’mana: A female ogre figure with her own unique personality.
- Ogre Woman: Another important female ogre, enforcing discipline.
Warriors or Guards: Protectors and Enforcers
Serving as community policemen, Warrior or Guard Kachinas play a crucial role both before and during wartime, and in various ceremonies. They ensure communal cleanliness, prevent disruptions, protect other Kachinas, and famously punish unruly clowns, often wielding yucca whips or bows as symbols of their authority.
- Broadface (Wuyak-kuita): A steadfast guard, often seen enforcing order.
- Crow Man (Angwus): A vigilant and protective figure.
- Hilili: Also a Whipper Kachina, known for his enforcement duties.
- Warrior Maiden (He-e-e or He-wuhti): A powerful female warrior spirit.
- Wupamo: A versatile spirit, also recognized as a Chief Kachina.
Runners: Athletic and Entertaining
Runner Kachinas are characterized by their participation in ceremonial races with the men of the pueblos. Victors are rewarded, while those who lose may face playful punishments such as whipping with yucca leaves, being forced to eat chile, or having mud thrown at them, adding an element of sport and interaction to the ceremonies.
- Chief (Mongwi): A leader among the runners.
- Chili Pepper (Tsil): Known for its spicy penalties.
- Fox: A swift and cunning runner.
- Rattle Runner (Aya): Distinguished by the sound of its rattle.
- Red Kilt Runner (Palavitkuna): Easily identified by its attire.
- Red Tail Hawk Kachina: Reflecting speed and agility.
- Road Runner (Hospoa): A classic representation of speed.
- Sikya Heheya: Another distinctive runner figure.
- Squash (Patung): Representing abundance through athletic prowess.
Clowns: Comic Relief and Social Commentary
Clown Kachinas provide vital comic relief during dances and ceremonies. Their antics often serve to highlight community norms and human follies, sometimes acting as a foil to the more serious Kachinas and often subject to disciplinary actions for their misbehavior, which itself is part of the ceremonial narrative.
- Crow Mother: Despite the name, often associated with nurturing guidance.
- Hemis: A prominent and often elaborate clown.
- Masau: A complex figure, sometimes a clown, sometimes more.
- Scorpion (Puchkofmoktaka): A clown with a sting of humor.
- Sun Kachina (Tawa): A powerful figure, also seen in clowning contexts.
General Styles: Nature, Feminine, and Animal Spirits
Beyond specific roles, Kachinas also categorize into broader styles, reflecting their connection to the natural world and various societal aspects.
Female (Momoyam) Kachinas
These spirits are often depicted as the wives, mothers, and sisters of other Kachina spirits. While usually portrayed by men, they embody feminine grace and life-giving power, often accompanying other Kachinas and symbolizing fertility and growth.
- Butterfly Maiden (Palhik): A beautiful figure associated with pollination and renewal.
- Cloud Maiden: Bringing life-giving rain.
- Corn Maiden (Corn Mana): Representing the vital corn crop.
- Kachina Maiden (Hoho Mana): A Zuni Kachina.
- Warrior Maiden (He-e-e or He-wuhti): A strong, protective female spirit.
- White Corn Maiden (Angak china Mana or Kocha Mana): Symbolizing purity and sustenance.
Animal (Popkot) Kachinas
Animal Kachinas serve as advisors, doctors, and teachers, imparting knowledge on healing herbs, warrior tactics, and survival skills. They embody the characteristics and wisdom of various animals, deeply connecting the Pueblo people to the natural world.
- Antelope (Chop/Sowi-ing): Associated with increasing animal populations and rain.
- Badger: A multifaceted spirit, often a guard, gift-bearer, and healer.
- Deer Dancer (Sowi-ingwa): Praying for the abundance of deer.
- Fox Dancer: Representing cunning and agility.
- Great Horned Owl (Mongwu): A wise and watchful figure.
- Turkey (Koyona): Associated with sustenance.
- White Bear (Hon): A powerful healing and warrior spirit.
Other Kachinas: Whippers, Hunters, and Borrowed Spirits
The extensive pantheon also includes specialized groups such as Whippers, Hunters, and Kachinas adopted from other Pueblo traditions, showcasing the dynamic and interconnected nature of Native American spiritual practices.
Individual Kachinas: A Deeper Look into Pueblo Spirituality
The individual stories and functions of specific Kachinas offer a deeper understanding of their roles within Pueblo ceremonies and daily life. This is not an exhaustive list, but highlights some of the more prominent and frequently seen figures.
Ahol Mana: The Seed Bearer
A maiden spirit, Ahol Mana accompanies Ahola during the sacred Powamu ceremony. She visits various kivas and ceremonial houses, carrying a tray laden with different kinds of seeds, symbolizing fertility and the promise of future harvests.
Aholi: The Chief’s Lieutenant
Aholi is the crucial lieutenant to the Chief Kachina, Eototo, playing a vital role in bringing much-needed moisture to the villages. This beautiful figure typically features a tall blue helmet and a cloak vibrant with colors representing summer and the essence of the Germ God, Muyingwa. A patron of the Hopi Pikya clan, Aholi is remembered in legend for a sacrifice that allowed Eototo to escape danger, embodying loyalty and selflessness.
Ahola (Ahul): Opener of Ceremonies
Also known as Ahul, this significant Hopi Kachina is embodied by a man and is paramount for the First and Second Mesas. He inaugurates the mid-winter Powamu ceremony, often called the bean planting festival. On the first night, he performs within a kiva before proceeding with the Powamu Chief to offer prayer feathers at Kachina Spring at dawn. Following this, he and the Powamu Chief visit kivas and ceremonial houses, distributing bean and corn plants and marking doorways with cornmeal stripes. At the ceremony’s conclusion, Ahola descends to a shrine, bowing four times to the Sun, praying for health, happiness, longevity, and bountiful crops. Ahola’s close relationship with Eototo (Aholi) is echoed in the legend where he allowed his throat to be cut to facilitate Eototo’s escape.
Ahulani: The Soyal Ceremony Figure
Ahulani is a key participant in the Soyal Ceremony, appearing with two Soyal Manas on the final morning of the event. His mask’s decoration varies symbolically in alternate years, depending on whether the Snake or Flute Dance is being celebrated. Ahulani carries several ears of corn and spruce boughs under his left arm, a chief’s badge, and a sacred meal pouch in his left hand, while wielding a staff in his right. He is often escorted by two Soyal Mana Kachinas, distinguished only by the color of corn they carry—one yellow, one blue.
Antelope (Chop or Sowi-ing): Bringer of Rain and Abundance
This Kachina dances specifically to encourage an increase in animal populations and to bring rain. Sharing many similarities with the Deer Kachina, it is primarily distinguished by its antelope horns. The Antelope Kachina often appears alongside the Mountain Sheep Kachina and the Wolf Kachina, symbolizing the interconnectedness of wildlife and communal well-being.
Apache Dancer (Yoche): Mountain God and Protector
Also known as the “Mountain God,” the Apache Dancer, or Yoche, is predominantly seen during the Kiva Dances. This spirit protects the Apache tribe during conflict and makes significant appearances in coming-of-age ceremonies for young girls, symbolizing strength and transition.
Badger (Hototo): Healer and Warrior
The Badger Kachina, Hototo, fulfills multiple crucial roles: guard, gift bearer, and warrior. As animals are revered as teachers, advisors, and healers, Hototo plays an important part in the healing arts, particularly as a preparer of food and one of the most respected war Kachinas. He is frequently observed during the Bean and Mixed Kachina Dances.
Bear (Hon): Powerful Healer and Warrior
Known as Hon, the Bear Kachinas are considered immensely powerful, capable of curing severe illnesses and renowned as great warriors. They are often distinguished by color—white, black, blue, or yellow—each carrying specific nuances. The Bear dances as a watchman or side dancer during the Soyal Dance and sings outside the lines during the Mixed Dance. His most striking feature is the presence of a bear footprint on both cheeks, a clear mark of his identity and power.
Black Crow Dancer/Raven: War on Misconduct
This warrior Kachina‘s primary objective is to engage in mock warfare with the Clown Kachinas and to caution anyone who exhibits misbehavior, ensuring adherence to community standards.
Blue Ahote: Plains Indian Influence
The Ahote Kachina demonstrates distinct influences from Plains Indian cultures, particularly through the wearing of a long eagle feather headdress, signifying a cross-cultural exchange of spiritual symbols and traditions.
Blue Whipper (Sakwa Hu): Ancient Enforcer
Considered an ancient Kachina, the Blue Whipper, or Sakwa Hu, is surprisingly often impersonated by small boys. His main function is to guard specific ceremonies, where he is known for punishing clowns, children, and adults alike when they misbehave, upholding order with traditional yucca whips.
Broad Faced (Wuyak-kuita): The Steadfast Guard
Wuyak-kuita is a formidable guard Kachina who helps other guards prevent any transgression during the path of the Kachinas in ceremonies. He accompanies the Soyoko (Ogre Woman), assisting in her activities. Carrying yucca whips and moving in an intimidating manner, he instills fear in clowns. On Third Mesa, he guards the kivas to prevent Ha Hai-i Wuhti (Grandmother) from approaching too closely during the Palolokong Ceremony, ensuring the sacred space is protected.
Buffalo Dancer: Spiritual Protector
Regarded as one of the most powerful among all Kachina dolls, the Buffalo Dancer possesses the ability to eliminate evil thoughts and serves as a significant spiritual protector, symbolizing strength and resilience.
Buffalo Maiden (Mosairu Mana): Prayer for Abundance
The Buffalo Maiden, or Mosairu Mana, appears with Mosairu (Buffalo Kachina), offering prayers for an increase in buffalo populations. Like most maidens, she also prays for rain. She carries the sun on her back, signifying her presence in summer dances, connecting buffalo hunting cycles with the agricultural calendar.
Buffalo Mosairu: The Masked Buffalo Kachina
The Buffalo Kachina (Mosairu) resembles the Buffalo Dancer but is uniquely identified by its mask, which features globular eyes and a snout. He typically participates in the Plaza Dance with the Mixed Dancers, performing with a rattle and lightning stick. Along with other game animal Kachinas, he prays for an increase in buffalo. Historically, most Buffalo Kachinas had green masks, but contemporary versions often feature black and white, reflecting evolving artistic interpretations.
Butterfly Man (Poli Taka): Rain and Crops
Poli Taka, the Butterfly Man, is an impersonating Kachina dedicated to bringing rain and ensuring bountiful crops, participating actively in the Butterfly Dance. The doll is usually unmasked but wears a tablet. While originally without wings, they were added to the doll over time, enhancing its popularity and visual appeal, emphasizing its connection to nature’s cycles.
Buffalo Warrior Dancer: Guardian of Sustenance
This warrior safeguards the food supply, ensuring that adequate provisions are available for the winter months, highlighting the practical yet spiritual role of Kachinas in daily life and survival.
Chakwaina (Tcakwaina): The Ogre with History
Also known as Tcakwaina, this Kachina appears in Zuni and Keresan ceremonies but is absent from Tewa ceremonies. Often depicted as an ogre with ferocious teeth and a black goatee and mask with yellow eyes, Chakwaina is frequently claimed to be a ceremonial representation of Estevanico. Estevanico was a Moroccan-born slave who, in 1539, led the first Spanish party to the Pueblo tribes as a scout for Fray Marcos de Niza’s expedition and was reportedly killed by the Zuni. While typically black, white or albino Chakwaina representations also exist, adding layers of historical and cultural narrative.
Chasing Star: Resurrection and Renewal
A symbol for plants and stars, the Chasing Star Kachina possesses the power to resurrect those who have fallen from the sky, lifting them back up, representing themes of renewal and celestial connection.
Chief Dancer: Ancient Knowledge
An ancient Kachina, the Chief Dancer embodies the power of knowledge, conveying wisdom and tradition through his ceremonial presence.
Chief Eototo: Father of all Kachinas
This Chief Kachina is the spiritual counterpart of the village chief and is revered as the “father” of all Kachinas. He knows all the ceremonies and appears annually, typically accompanied by his lieutenant, Aholi. Together, they initiate ceremonies by blessing each village and marking it to invite rain clouds. At each blessing, Eototo receives prayer feathers, and in return, the kiva chief accepts some of the corn sprouts he carries. These actions symbolize the crucial exchange of water for prosperous crops. His simple appearance is characteristic of many older Kachinas, underscoring his ancient and fundamental role.
Chili Pepper (Tsil): The Spicy Runner
Known as Tsil, this Kachina is a runner who chases people, and upon catching them, places red pepper powder or a whole pepper in their mouths. He is usually seen carrying yucca whips in one hand and a red pepper in the other, with red peppers often adorning his helmet, making him a memorable and slightly intimidating figure in races.
Clown Kaisale: Outrageous Humor
This clown Kachina, identifiable by many colorful stripes, mirrors the actions of the Hopi clown, Tsuku, but with even more outrageous acts, such as eating a watermelon by submerging his face in it, a crowd favorite. This clown, and others, offer artists the liberty to infuse their own sense of humor and style into the creation of the doll, reflecting diverse interpretations of comedic performance.
Clown Koshari: Sacred and Profane
Known by many names, the Koshari clown Kachina is found across numerous pueblos and is considered by some to be the father of Kachinas. These clowns are simultaneously sacred and profane, their actions both humiliating and humorous, serving as a powerful form of social commentary. Carvers often incorporate their personal styles into the creation of these clowns, depending on what they perceive as funny or humiliating, showcasing the blend of tradition and individual expression.
Cold-Bringing Woman (Horo Mana or Yohozro Wuhti): Winter’s Herald
Originally a Tewa Kachina, the Cold-Bringing Woman, Horo Mana or Yohozro Wuhti, heralds the cold or the whiteness of winter. She is predominantly seen during the Powamu Ceremony (or bean dance). Horo carries a yucca comb, which she uses to playfully mess up people’s hair when she appears with her grandson, Nuvakchina, who brings the cold winter winds. Dressed primarily in white clothing, she perfectly embodies the visual elements of winter, serving as a seasonal harbinger.
Comanche (Komantci or Turtumsi): Adopted Tribe Spirit
Known as Komantci or Turtumsi, this Kachina was originally not a Hopi spirit but was later integrated into Hopi traditions. It represents the neighboring Comanche Tribe, symbolizing inter-tribal connections and respect. These Kachinas are typically seen as social dance figures. The doll wears a goggle-eye mask, a row of feathers, a beard, body paint, and carries a rattle, bow, and arrow, embodying the distinct characteristics of the Comanche warrior.
Corn Dancer (Kae): Prayer for Sustenance
Probably the most popular of all the Kachinas, the Corn Dancer, Kae, embodies a fervent prayer for the fruition and growth of corn, the staple crop. His costume often resembles the designs of the eastern pueblos, notably with distinguishable horizontally crossed feathers on the crown. He appears in the Kiva Dances, Plaza Dances, and Mixed Dances, symbolizing the vital connection between spiritual practice and agricultural success.
Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Kachinas
The vast and varied world of Kachina types exemplifies the spiritual depth and cultural richness of the Pueblo peoples. From the authoritative Chief Kachinas and disciplinary Ogres to the protective Warriors, athletic Runners, and entertaining Clowns, each figure plays a distinct and crucial role in maintaining balance, imparting wisdom, and fostering community cohesion. The detailed individual Kachinas further illustrate the intricate web of beliefs, historical narratives, and environmental connections that define Pueblo spirituality. These spiritual beings continue to guide, teach, and inspire, ensuring the continuation of ancient traditions and cultural values across generations. Their enduring presence in ceremonies and as sacred objects like Kachina dolls serves as a constant reminder of the profound spiritual heritage of the Native American tribes.
