In the middle of the Martin Auto Museum is a collection of Katsina & Kachina figurines. They are essentially the same thing only a Katsina is Hopi whereas a Kachina is a Navajo/Diné.
The figurines were traditionally given to the young during ceremonies to teach them of the culture and history, as well as hope for the future. They were not designed to be played with, rather studied and celebrated. The wikipedia page for Katsina/Kachina’s provides a good overview of the history and meaning of the designs. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hopi_Kachina_figure
I welcome any corrections to the identifications of the individual figurines.
The first two are actually Ezra Brooks Whiskey decanters. The company started producing these in the 1970s but had to stop as they were violating the copyrights that the Hopi had on them. This then caused the ones that did exist to become valuable.
This is an example of a Navajo/Diné dancer.
A Hopi dancer.
Mixed in with the figurines is this non Katsina brass Kokopelli.
A Navajo/Diné warrior.
Internet research is mixed on the identification of the next ones – most seem to say Hopi, but not all.
Regardless of their origins( Hopi or Navajo/Diné), the figurines are beautiful, with great histories.
RDZ Photography 