A kachina (/ k ə ˈ tʃ iː n ə /; Hopi: katsina [kaˈtsʲina], plural katsinim [kaˈtsʲinim]) is a spirit being in the religious beliefs of the Pueblo people, Native American cultures located in the south-western part of the United States.

Many different styles of kachinas exist to provide different types of examples and guidance for the tribe. Each type has a particular set of characteristics and a distinctive personality. A costume, song style and body movements are repeated and unique when impersonated.

Feb 25, 2014 · The Niman, or farewell dance of the Kachinas, takes place in July. It is one of their big nine-day festivals, including secret rites in the kivas and a public dance at its close. Kachina dancers, Shongopavi pueblo, Arizona, sometime before 1900

Dec 22, 2011 · The Katsinam or Kachinas, spirits that guard over the Hopi, dance at the winter solstice Soyal Ceremony (Soyaluna or Soyalangwul), understood to mean “Establishing Life Anew for All the World.” “Katsinam are Hopi spirit messengers who send prayers for rain, bountiful harvests and a prosperous, healthy life for humankind.

Kachinas are expressed in three ways: the spiritual or supernatural deities, the masked dancers representing kachinas at religious ceremonies, and kachina dolls or carvings. The origin of kachinas is not entirely known, but according to Hopi oral traditions, these mostly benevolent spiritual beings came from the underworld with the Hopi people.

Mar 11, 2025 · Learn about Hopi traditions and concepts, including the nine ceremonies of the Road of Life, the kiva, the paho, the sacred Eagle, and the Katsina spirits, dancers, and dolls.

Kachina dances are performed during religious ceremonies and festivals throughout the year. During these dances, the Hopi people wear elaborate masks and costumes that represent different kachinas. Kachinas are also highly valued as works of art.

Mar 30, 2024 · Kachina Dances: Unveiling the Realm of Divine Messengers. Among the most visually stunning Hopi dances are the Kachina Dances, where masked dancers personify supernatural beings known as kachinas.

The Kachina in Ceremony. The ceremonies that the Hopi conduct to honor these spirits are quite varied. All occur during the time of needed agricultural fertility — from the end of December’s ceremonies, through the Powamu (Bean Dance) in February, to the …

Mar 2, 2021 · Hopi artists, usually men, carve Kachina likenesses from cottonwood root (which is associated with water). In Hopi life they are given to girls at the Bean Dance and the Home Dance to teach them Hopi ways. And today they have become an art form popular with collec tors.