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Kachina Doll Meanings
This is a short list of some of the most popular Kachina dolls and their historical meanings. Many times, Kachinas have been given to others as gifts for celebrations or accomplishments. We’ve included a list of events or people that the Kachina may be a good match for, but any Kachina is beautiful and can be appreciated as a gift to another or to one’s self.
Kachina Doll | Meaning | Perfect For |
1st Mesa | Passage to other Mesas. | Travelers |
Antelope | Bringer of Rain. | In-home display |
Apache Dancer | Also known as “Mountain God”, protects the Apache tribe in war, often used in coming-of-age ceremonies for girls. | Birthday gift |
Badger | Prayers to Badger Kachina include giving healing herbs, believed to aid in curing the sick. | People in the medical field. |
Bean | Used in dances for a plentiful crop of beans. | Gardeners |
Bear | Its presence represents great power, and is used in prayers to cure the sick. | Father’s Day, Grandparent’s Day |
Broadface | Recognized for holding Yucca whips to enforce community well-being. | Housewarming gift |
Buffalo | Very powerful Kachina, a great spiritual protector against evil. | Significant birthdays, life-changing events (moving, etc). |
Buffalo Warrior | Its presence is used to assure there will be enough food for the winter season. | Appreciation gift |
Butterfly | Brings butterflies to the medicine man who uses them in medications. | People in the medical field. |
Chasing Star | Resurrects those that have fallen from the sky and returns them to the stars. | Lovers of astronomy or astrology. |
Chief | The Ancient Kachina, embodies the great power of knowledge. | Lovers of books, learning, and wisdom. |
Corn Maiden | Presented to purify the women who grind corn for ceremonies. | Young girls |
Crow Mother | Its presence watches over children as they play. | Mother’s Day |
Deer | Used in dances to call for more deer to the land so that there is plenty to eat. | Appreciation gift |
Eagle | Kachina of strength and power. | Congratulatory gift |
Hemis | A very beautiful Kachina representing the happiness of a successful harvest. | Birthday and accomplishment gifts, in-home display |
Hoop Dancer | Used as amusement in ceremonies. The three hoops represent Life, Death, and Reemergence. | Encouragement for those in the entertainment industry. |
Hototo | Represents the preparation of food from a successful harvest. | Thanksgiving |
Hummingbird | Tricky Kachina, loves to impersonate others, especially runners. | Halloween |
Kokopelli | Known as a flute player, Kokopelli is the fertility god. | Newlyweds |
Left-Hand | This Kachina is believed to do everything in the opposite fashion. | Those who seek new ideas and innovation. |
Lizard | A warrior Kachina. | Welcoming gift |
Medicine Man | Kachina that mixes herbs and advises on preventing and curing sickness. | Anyone in the medical field. |
Morning Singer | Believed to appear on the rooftops to sing songs that awaken the village. | Baby showers, newlyweds. |
Mouse | Particularly skillful warrior that protects the village. | In-home display |
Mudhead | A Kachina that acts as a clown for amusement. | Entertainers and lovers of comedy. |
White Ogre | Represents good. | Accompanied with Black Ogre for display |
Black Ogre | Appears when children are naughty to scare them into being good. | Accompanied with White Ogre for display |
Old Man | The Grandfather Kachina, sings songs that bring a successful season for growing. | Father’s Day, Grandparent’s Day, Birthdays |
Owl | Symbol of intelligence and wisdom. His presence is said to destroy rodents and others that may harm crops. | Father’s Day |
Paralyzed | A Kachina said to have accompanied a blind man and helped him hunt and travel. | Those going through recovery. |
Rainbow | Represents peace and harmony between all tribes. | Valentine’s Day, Anniversaries, Celebrations |
Ram | Used in dances to encourage more ram for a good hunting season. | Appreciation gift |
Red Tail Hawk | A scarcely seen Kachina, secretive. | One who seeks encouragement during their pursuits. |
Road Runner | Its presence wards off witchcraft from homes. | Housewarming gift |
Santo Domingo | This Kachina blesses the seeds that go into the harvest | Gardeners and plant lovers |
Shaiako | A magnificent Kachina standing seven to eight feet tall. | In-home display |
Snake Dancer | Instructs snakes to bring messages to the deities to ask for rain. | Those seeking promotion or new steps in life. |
Snow | Appears to bring the cold weather for winter. | Christmas |
Spotted Corn | Aides in producing large amounts of quality corn. | Gardeners, cooks, and bakers. |
Sunface | Its presence brings warmth and a bright future, also shelters the old while encouraging playfulness for the young. | Birthdays, family holidays, accomplishment gifts. |
Warrior | A war Kachina doll. | Those who seek security. |
White Cloud | Its presence encourages the clouds to rain on the crops. | Christmas, Thanksgiving |
Wolf | A Kachina that is prayed to before hunting, as it possesses knowledge in finding game. | Graduation gift |
Wolf Warrior | Aids hunters in their pursuit of food for their tribe. | Father’s Day, appreciation gift |
Zuni Rain Priest | Accompanies the Shaiko to bring rain. | In-hope display, appreciation gift |
