WHITE LONG HAIR SHALAKO KACHINA DOLL

By Frankie Nez

We just fell in love with this Shalako because of its distinctive design and color.This is a fine example of Native American art, made entirely by hand by Frankie C. Nez.

This kachina was carved from wood by hand, then painted with bright and vibrant colors to help bring life to the traditional Pueblo Indian designs. The hand etching adds a rich texture to the carving.

This Shalako doll is 19” tall (including the wooden base) and 5” wide. Signed by Native American artist F. Nez. Labeled Shalako.Certified to have been crafted by a true member of a Native American tribe as required by the Indian Arts and Crafts Act of 1990.

There are more than 250 different kachinas, each with its own separate attributes representing everything from animals to abstract concepts. Kachina dolls are model of the kachinas, representing their likeness and traits. The dolls are often given as gifts, to be used as tools for education or in the hope of future abundance and health. The kachina dolls of today are a bridge not only between the spiritual world but also between Hopis and Non-Hopis. The Hopi were the original carvers of kachinas, using a single piece of cottonwood. Soon the Navajo began carving their own, adding creative things such as feathers, leather, fur, beads and turquoise. Each year the Kachinas come and dance to bring life and renewal and to reinforce the connection between the spirit world and the people. When the Kachinas return to the spirit world at the end of the planting, they return with the prayers of the Hopi that we might all continue on this earth for another round in the circle of life.